People often think children with low vision are blind. However, low vision is not the same as blindness. Children with low vision have some usable vision, even if it’s limited. They may struggle with activities like reading, recognizing faces, or seeing distant objects, but they often still perceive light and shapes.
With the right support and adaptive tools, many children with low vision can navigate their environments and participate in daily activities. Low vision in children is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that can delay diagnosis and care. Let’s clear up some common myths with the facts.
Myth 1: Glasses Can Correct All Vision Problems in Children
Fact: While glasses or contact lenses can correct many refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness, they cannot improve vision affected by conditions like optic nerve hypoplasia, retinal dystrophies, or cerebral visual impairment (CVI). For children with these conditions, low vision aids and specialized training can be more effective in maximizing their remaining vision.
Myth 2: Low Vision Only Affects Older Adults, Not Children
Fact: Low vision is often associated with aging, but it can affect children too. Pediatric low vision can result from congenital conditions, genetic disorders, or neurological issues that impact vision development. Early identification and intervention are crucial to help children adapt and make the most of their vision.
Myth 4: A Child Will Outgrow Vision Problems
Fact: Unlike some childhood conditions, vision problems do not simply resolve as a child grows. If a child has low vision due to structural or neurological issues, their vision will not improve without intervention. Early diagnosis and support can help children adapt to their vision challenges and succeed in their daily lives.
Myth 4: Children with Low Vision Can’t Attend Regular Schools
Fact: With the right support, children with low vision can thrive in mainstream educational settings. Accommodations like large-print books, magnification tools, and assistive technology can help them access the same curriculum as their peers.
Understanding the Truth About Low Vision
Debunking these myths helps ensure that children with low vision receive timely diagnosis and support. At Low Vision of Tennessee, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care and resources to help children and their families understand and manage low vision.
Schedule an appointment in Nashville to learn how we can support your child’s vision needs.
