FREE EYE CARE FOR KIDS WHO PARTICIPATE
IN NATIONAL STUDY AT UH
Nearsighted Preteens Benefit from Research
on Vision Correction and Self Image at College of Optometry
HOUSTON, Aug. 10, 2004 – Free eye care and corrective lenses
are available to nearsighted preteens who participate in a national
self-perception study at the University of Houston College of Optometry.
The Adolescent and Child Health Initiative to Encourage Vision Empowerment
(ACHIEVE) Study is a multi-center clinical study that examines the
effect of vision correction options, such as glasses and contact
lenses, on the self-perception of children. Conducted at five of
the country’s leading optometric institutions, the ACHIEVE
Study currently is enrolling nearsighted children between the ages
of eight and 11 at the University of Houston College of Optometry.
The study uses scales developed by experts in the field of child
development and optometry.
Early results of the ACHIEVE Study show that children as young as
eight can successfully wear and independently care for contact lenses
to correct their nearsightedness, also known as myopia. Many parents
of nearsighted children are not aware that contact lenses are a
viable vision correction option for preteens. Not only were children
able to handle and care for daily disposable lenses, but the wearing
experience was a highly positive one in terms of comfort and freedom
from problems such as wearing glasses during sporting activities.
The lenses worn in the study can be discarded daily, eliminating
the need for cleaning and storage each night.
“More than half of nearsighted Americans are children,”
said Ruth E. Manny, the lead investigator on the study at the UH
College of Optometry. “That’s approximately 42 million
kids, most of whom end up wearing glasses. With the ACHIEVE Study,
we have an opportunity to possibly give back some freedom to these
kids with the option of contact lenses. It’s an excellent
opportunity to better understand how choices in vision correction
can affect our children’s self-perceptions and the decisions
they make about sports, activities and social interactions –
decisions that could have a long-term impact on their lives.”
To participate in the ACHIEVE Study, children must be willing
to be randomly assigned to wear either contact lenses or glasses
during the three-year study. All eye care will be provided at no
cost during the study, and glasses or contact lenses will be provided
at no cost. Assessment visits will be conducted every six months
during the study. For more information or to enroll a child, contact
Julio Quiralte at 713-743-1907.
About the University of Houston
The University of Houston, Texas’ premier metropolitan research
and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers
and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate,
civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university
in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and
service with more than 35,000 students.
For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.
|
