Did I ruin my daughter's vision?

[corinne76]

My grandma has been saying for awhile that it's dark in my apartment. I don't think it's that bad, but we do have just one overhead light (with 2 small bulbs) and we keep the drapes drawn since the across building can see right into out living room, and we don't live in the best of neighborhoods.

anywho...DD had her 5 y/o check up on Monday and her vision tested at 20/40 and 20/50. Now my gma is really saying it's too dark in my house and her eyes are just going to get worse.

Now I'm feeling terrible. I have read that dim lighting doesn't ruin vision per se, but makes you strain more, tiring out eyes faster. But did the lower lighting in my home cause her vision problems? I feel like a horrible mom

[escapethevillage]

I can't imagine that it would. But, I don't know how dark your house is. I'll go do some googling though.

[corinne76]

Thanks. It's not like we are shrouded in darkness. It's just not flourescent light bright, especially at night

[escapethevillage]

I looked.. I can't find anything saying that a child's vision could be damaged by dim lighting.

[escapethevillage]

Really, if she were sitting in your apartment like a cave all day and night then maybe..But, I'm assuming she goes outside? School?

[corinne76]

LOL. She goes to Kinder til 2:30. On tues and thurs she goes to my gmas after so she doesnt even get home til about 6. She mostly plays and watches a bit of TV.

[I_run_with_scissors]

ive never heard anything about dim lighting causing poor vision in children, so i highly doubt that her poor vision is caused by the lack of florescent lights in your home

[corinne76]

Thank you. Maybe it's one of those oldwives tales sort of things

[mcpforever]

Just don't let her sit too close to the TV.

I'm joking!!!!

Don't stress. It really is just genetics and not something you've done or not done.

[corinne76]

Originally Posted by mcpforever Just don't let her sit too close to the TV. I'm joking!!!! Don't stress. It really is just genetics and not something you've done or not done.

Lol. She goes go too close at times. I'm constantly correcting her. But she's 5, nothing i say registers