Subject: Re: I was so upset when I got a note from school nurse.


Please

help!

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Xanadu,

I am an engineer -- not a "doctor".

Since I was once that "7 year old", I can state that you have
the right to an informed, PREVENTIVE second-opinion.

Please remember this. The driver-license standards run
between 20/70 to 20/40. With 20/60 your daughter would pass the
DMV for the State of Georgia.

Obviously 20/60 is not a disaster -- not yet anyway.

I STRONGLY suggest that you have her read the Snellen listed
on my site -- and print some from "I-SEE'.

For "Legal" you have a right to take follow the
"Second-opinion" by Steve Leung OD at:

www.chinamyopia.org

If you are "questioned" about this issue -- then I would have
the person read that site. That proves the second-opinion.

If you decide to have your child begin wearing a "plus" then
personally check her vision (on the Snellen) yourself. Do it in
good light.

Some more commentary:

----- Original Message -----


Subject: I was so upset when I got a note from school nurse.
Please help!


Xanadu> My daughter is almost 7 years old. She goes to school in
second grade. Last Friday I received a note from school
nurse which told me that my daughter's vision is 20/60.

Otis> Probably correct -- but I strongly suggest you check this
yourself -- because any vision-clearing will be by your
checking this process under your control. If you wish,
have her checked for MEDICAL issues by an ophthamologist.
If no MEDICAL issues, then consider the use of the plus.

Xanadu> I am so sad because I don't want her wear glasses like my
son who started wearing glasses at about this age, second
grade.

Otis> When you put a child into a strong minus, the refractive
state will go down by -2 diopters in four years.
(Oakley-Young study). The "plus" in this case did not go
down. For me, this suggest the either-or nature of
plus-prevention.

Xanadu> He started from 90. Now he wears glasses of 375. It's
been only less than 6 years since he started wearing
gasses.

Otis> The Oakley-Young study confirms this expected result. This
is NOT an easy choice for you or your child. There are NO
easy solutions.

Xanadu> I'm afraid that my daughter chould go the same path,

Otis> I am certain she will -- in MY JUDGMENT.

Xanadu> so I searched the web and found that myopia could be
prevented or even reversed by using plus lens.

Otis> That is the second-opinion -- at the 20/60 level. Depending
on how the measurement is made, an OD might "prescribe" a
lens of from -1 to -2.25 diopters. That will make her
vision very, very sharp -- but with this secondary
consequences.

Xanadu> I decided to try it. However, there is something I worry
about. If I don't let my daughter wear minus lens, is it
possible that her school will ask me to do it because plus
lens method is "not legal"?

Otis> What is "legal" is your right if choice. The concept of
plus-prevention is not "popular" -- but some ODs recognize
the need for it an INSIST that their child wear a plus lens
for all close work. Since you are not a "professional" you
should understand the issue that way. Some ODs will
recommend AGAINST plus-prevention. Some will recommend FOR
plus-prevention. You have the RIGHT to choose --
representing the intrests of your child.


Xanadu> Also, can you recommend a eye doctor who will be willing
to treat my daughter with plus lense?

Otis> Tragically, there are not enough plus-prevention doctors
around. This is going to mean that you will have to be
more "informed" of this choice, and exert your on decision
in this matter.

Xanadu> I live in Sacramento, California.

Otis> There is truly no "easy" way here. As an engineer I can not
give you "medical" advice -- nor will I attempt to do so.
But I do describe the second-opinion accuratly. Whether
you wish to continue -- must be up to you. I know this
puts you betwee a rock and a hard-place. But some issues
in life are like that.

Otis> Take your time -- there is no reason to "jump" into a minus
lens. But if you do nothing -- then your child will go in
deeper.

Otis> Also -- what is her habitual reading distance?

Otis> How much time does she spend reading, or "gameboy". Reading
distance is indeed critical.

Best,

Otis


Thank you so much.


Xanadu