Mother highlights importance of monitoring children’s eye sight
By Laura Lyne
A TALLAGHT mother has highlighted the importance of being vigilant in monitoring children's sight as part of World Glaucoma Week, after her nine-year-old son was diagnosed with glaucoma.
Fatima Okoeguale's son Kelly was prescribed glasses at the age of six-years-old following a school eye exam, but Fatima became concerned about her son's sight after he started squinting and struggling to see even with his glasses on.
Speaking about her son’s diagnosis, Fatima said: “My husband has glaucoma and I knew the condition can be hereditary so I’ve always kept a close watch on Kelly, and my other children’s eye health.
“When I noticed Kelly was struggling to see, I knew something was amiss so I requested an earlier eye test at Vision Express.”
Now aged 11, Kelly was diagnosed with glaucoma after being referred to hospital by optometrist Saoirse McCrann of Vision Express, Tallaght, and he uses eye drops twice a day to manage the pressure level of his eyes.
Speaking about glaucoma, Saoirse said: “Glaucoma is a rare condition to find in a child so young, but it’s not unheard of.
“Given that Kelly’s father also has glaucoma it is likely Kelly inherited the condition, but it can be caused by incorrect development of the eye’s drainage system before birth. This is known as congenital glaucoma.
“Glaucoma is very subtle and it is usually not noticed by the patient until it is too late, hence why it is so important to have regular sight tests.
“It’s vital to act quickly if you notice anything wrong with your vision – whether you’re a child or an adult.Thankfully, Fatima was vigilant and requested an earlier eye test because of the signs she spotted – if she’d have waited, Kelly may well have experienced permanent loss of vision.
“Kelly also needed glasses and this is why he was straining to see, not because of glaucoma, so the glaucoma may have gone unnoticed if Kelly hadn’t come into the store for his eye test.”
As part of World Glaucoma Week, Vision Express are offering free eye test vouchers until March 18, which can be redeemed in store until April 18.
The free eye test voucher can be downloaded until 18 March at 5pm and redeemed in any Vision Express store nationwide until 5pm on 18 April 2016. To receive a voucher visit www.visionexpress.com/world-glaucoma-week
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