The Hidden Cause of Your Child’s Headaches?
If you have a child who constantly suffers from headaches, you might be stumped for clues as to why this happens. You find yourself wondering if your child is spending too much time on the computer, or not enough time playing outside in the sunshine. You may even think it can be boiled down to genetics; after all, it happens so frequently that you think there can’t be any other reason for it.
Yet have you ever considered that your child’s headaches may be a result of vision problems?
Think about it this way: if your child is spending all of his or her time squinting at the blackboard or trying to read print up close, it stands to reason that this strain will eventually lead to a headache.
However, recent research has not revealed a strong link between vision problems and your child’s headaches. In a study conducted by pediatric ophthalmologists at Albany Medical Center in New York State, they discovered that there was no significant correlation between vision problems and the frequency in which children got headaches. The study, which was conducted between 2011 and 2012, researched the medical records of patients who were under the age of 18.
In addition to finding no significant correlation, the study even revealed via follow-up reports that most children got over their headaches about a year later (in fact, three-quarters of the children saw improvement). These headaches improved regardless of any actions taken to correct the child’s vision.
While the study isn’t meant to discount the link between vision and other health problems, it’s important for parents to understand that vision correction shouldn’t be seen as the be-all, end-all to headache problems. However, it is important for parents to prioritize regular appointments at the ophthalmologist. After all, uncorrected vision problems have been linked to poor academic performance and behavioral issues. With this in mind, it’s critical that parents work hard to ensure that their children have healthy eyes.
To ensure that your children are receiving the best ocular health care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths and her team at NewView Eye Center in Reston, VA (serving the greater Washington DC and Northern Virginia area). Just give us a call at 703-834-9777 or simply fill out the form in the top right corner.