Some call it a diagnosis; others call it a label. No matter how you look at it, it's undeniable that a learning disability can have a profound effect on your child's school and home life. Common as they are nowadays, learning disabilities can be frustrating and difficult to treat or even understand. When problems just don't seem to get any better, it is understandable for parents to wonder whether it's really a learning disability at all, or a misdiagnosis. You're torn because you trust that the psychologists and social workers who work with your child have considered all the possibilities. They couldn't have gotten it wrong ... or could they have?

Actually, they could have. It may not necessarily be their fault, as a number of unrelated issues have similar symptoms to learning disabilities. That's why, before allowing your child to be given the learning disability label, it is crucial to consider other possibilities. This means getting your child examined by doctors, including a vision specialist. With one out of every five American children having uncorrected vision issues, it might very well be the case that your child actually has an eyesight problem masking itself as a learning disability.

Kids are, by nature, extremely visual in how they absorb and process information. In fact, in the first 12 years of a child's life, 80 percent of what is learned comes through visual information processing. This close connection between seeing and learning might help to explain why eyesight problems and learning issues are so easily confused. Symptoms such as compromised academic performance and difficulty paying attention in class can be common to both visual and learning disorders. To confuse the matter even further, up to 40 percent of kids with learning disabilities also have vision-related problems. In other words, while some children seem to have a learning disability, but instead have an eyesight problem, other kids may have both issues. Either way, one would think that checkups from an eye care specialist would be standard procedure, right?

Wrong. Vision screenings, while they ought to be an integral part of the process, are surprisingly lacking. Whenever a learning disability, ADD/ADHD or dyslexia is suspected in a child, a thorough eye examination should be one of the first steps taken, but unfortunately does not always happen. It is a startling truth that in America, 20 percent of kids have eyesight issues that are uncorrected, despite being treatable. Perhaps this is because children don't always talk about their vision problems, instead choosing to hide or ignore the problem or express the issue through misbehavior. Ignoring the issue should not be an option, though, as untreated vision problems are only likely to get worse, not better. Over time, a child can develop a condition called amblyopia, where the vision is reduced because the child's eyes and brain aren't properly working together. This condition can typically be prevented when regular eye exams are given, starting at a young age.

So, what is a good age to start these vision screenings? Some may think eight, 10, or maybe 12, but that's not what the experts recommend. According to The American Optometric Association and the American Public Health Association, an examination should be given at approximately six months of age. This should not be considered odd or unusual, as the eye doctor will need to check for eye structure and muscle health, along with an examination of the baby's tear ducts and eyelids; such an examination will not be frightening or uncomfortable for the child, and is generally easy and trouble-free. In any case, regardless of the exact age at which the child starts getting vision screenings, the message from the experts is clear: Checkups from a highly qualified eye care practitioner should occur early and often.

In addition to regular checkups, it is worthwhile for parents and teachers to be on the lookout for possible symptoms of eyesight-related issues. Some children will squint or strain to read a book or the board, but others will give up trying and use excuses or misbehavior as an attempt to avoid reading tasks. This is where symptoms may be confused with the symptoms of learning disabilities; when a vision issue causes a child not to read, self-esteem issues, disruptive behaviors and poor grades can result, thereby reinforcing the learning disability misdiagnosis. Besides squinting and straining to read, other symptoms to watch for include habitually keeping the head close to a book when reading, headaches or eyestrain, closing or covering one eye or excessively rubbing the eyes or blinking. However, sometimes it may be a combination of these symptoms, or none of them, which reinforces the idea that regular checkups from a qualified eye care specialist are the first and best line of defense against long-term vision problems in children.

The simple act of getting an eye exam can have profound and immediate effects on a child's life. Reports have been made of young students who stopped looking at the board simply because they couldn't see it, or who wouldn't stop talking in class due to the frustration of not being able to see properly. Dramatic turnarounds occurred when the children's eyesight was screened and glasses were issued; for these children, academic performance and quality of life were improved almost immediately. As parents, we don't have to let it get to that point if we stay aware and take precautions. Early prevention of eyesight issues is generally much simpler than having to address problems later on.

Staying informed and taking action can help prevent misdiagnosis and progressive eye problems for your child. Confusing learning disabilities and vision issues is not uncommon, but does not need to happen to your kids. Bring clarity to the issue - and to your child's vision - with a comprehensive eye exam today.

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"Fight fair"-that's what pretty much every advice giver will tell you. But let me ask you this: Is it better to win the argument, or to walk away knowing that you conducted yourself with the utmost integrity?

Deep down, I think you instinctively know what a true American icon, Vince Lombardi, had the audacity to verbalize: "Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing."

To that end, I've come up with ten rules to give you the edge at all costs, even if it means destroying your relationship and ruining your reputation...

...or, if you have any integrity whatsoever, you can view the following as 10 things not to do if you wish to maintain a healthy relationship and feel good about yourself.

1. Be louder than your sweetheart

Sheer volume is key to winning a misunderstanding with your loved one, especially if you know darned well that they're right and you're wrong. How can they possibly get their point across if they can't even be heard? Your lover may call it yelling; however, convince yourself that raising your voice to resolve conflict is no more than motivational speaking for the selective hearing.

2. Interrupt them constantly

You do not want to be caught accidentally listening. Add a cup of "argumentus interruptus" in your next verbal battle for an extra edge that spells w-i-n-n-i-n-g!

3. Always remember that "wrong" is a four-letter word

(Hey, I never said I was good at math...) Of course, I'm referring to the phrase, "I was wrong," which should never be heard coming from your lips in the presence of the love of your life. Once you start admitting guilt or fault, the next thing you know, you'll feel compelled to start making interpersonal improvements (yuck) to yourself. Who needs that kind of hassle?

4. The only word that's worse than "wrong" is "sorry."

If you allow yourself to utter the words, "I'm sorry," during an argument with your spouse, you might as well wave the white flag of surrender. As far as you're concerned, apology equals defeat, and letting your cutie win is not an option! The only exception to this rule is if you're using the word "sorry" like this: "I'm sorry you're not capable enough to understand that your wrong." Your partner may immediately see that you're right and will likely settle right down. Try it, what's the worst that could happen?

5. Don't focus on what is right; focus on who is right

And of course, that "who" is always you! The objective of an argument with your honey bear is not to resolve the issue, but to prove that you are superior. Sure, this approach will leave you lonely and desperate for affection, but hey, at least you'll know who's right. This will surely help you sleep better at night.

6. Name-calling is absolutely essential if you're going to master the art of unfair fighting.

Be sure to use the most ridiculous and immature names you can think of. Attack the person, not the argument! No need to get flustered if they come up with a well-reasoned concern...hit below the belt and crown yourself victor!

7. Turn a losing argument into a winning one - or at least a different one - with irrelevant comments.

Deflect and redirect for guaranteed success in your next debate with such brilliantly incongruous salvos as, "If you're so wonderful, why do I have to do everything?" and "Oh yeah, well, why is it that root beer isn't really beer and doesn't come from a root?" Remember, when arguing with a loved one, if you're off topic, you're off to a good start.

8. Dig up things she said in the past

The deeper in the past, the better. Use them as verbal ammunition against your sweetie. Did they say something slightly inaccurate ten years ago? Great! Remind her of it during an argument, at least half a dozen times. After all, youthful misstatements must never be forgiven if you're going to win this fight!

9. Take things out of context as often as possible

Let's say, for example, that your loved one once uttered, "I've played on dozens of co-ed softball teams, and I've been with a lot of men who I could pitch, catch, or run as well as they could." Your merciless mind should immediately focus like a laser on the phrase, "I've been with a lot of men." Do you see where I'm going with this? Right or wrong, in context or out, it doesn't matter; anything they say can, and will, be used against them!

10. If all else fails..

...and it will, if you're actually following the advice in this list-you can always throw up your hands, roll your eyes, and proclaim, "I can't force you to be right!" and then proceed to walk out of the room.

So there you have it, ten rules for waging a verbal war without being bogged down by such unimportant things as fairness, respect, decency or intelligence. Try some or even all of these ingenious suggestions for a swift one-way ticket to the doghouse and a prime opportunity to sleep on the couch instead of the bed. If you strictly follow these rules your relationship will end faster than a baby seal's life during Shark Week. But hey, isn't that what winning is all about?

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From the Blues Brothers to Tom Cruise in Risky Business, sunglasses have become an iconic American emblem of style and attitude. Yet wearing sunglasses isn't just about looking "cool"; beyond the fashion statement, there are compelling health reasons for you and your family to don a pair of shades. So why do we see so many parents and kids outside, in the bright sunlight, not wearing sunglasses? Most likely, it has to do with a lack of information about ultraviolet (UV) rays, sunglasses and eye health. To help solve this, let us explore 10 myths surrounding these topics, and how you can help your family - and yourself - stay informed and healthy.

1. "Sunglasses are just for looks."

Yes, sunglasses can add a certain "cool factor" to your ensemble, but the true value of sunglass use lies in its protective qualities. In particular, high-quality sunglasses will protect your and your kids' eyes from the devastating effects of prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays. This is significant because this exposure can eventually cause serious eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

2. "The only time to wear sunglasses is when it's sunny outside."

UV rays can be equally present and harmful on cloudy days as they would be on a sunny day. Indeed, it is entirely possible for the sun's rays to do maximum damage when it's raining or when the sun is setting. For this reason, adults and kids should wear sunglasses whenever they're outdoors and the sun is out, even if it's not hot outside or is cloudy.

3. "Sunglasses are just for grown-ups."

Whether they're playing outside at recess, hanging out at the bus stop or just enjoying a relaxing Sunday in the backyard, it's a fact that children spend more time exposed to the sun than adults do. Wherever they may soak up the sun, kids need eye protection from UV rays - and they won't have that protection unless you teach them not only to carry sunglasses with them, but to wear them each and every time their eyes are exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time.

4. "All shades offer 100 percent UV protection nowadays."

Any bona fide pair of sunglasses will offer a certain measure of protection, but not necessarily 100 percent UV protection, so check the label to see if you're getting full or only partial protection. Even worse, there are other types of shades that resemble bona fide sunglasses but aren't the real deal. They have impressive-sounding names like "sun blockers" or "polarized glasses," but the best policy for you and your kids is: No 100 percent UV protection, no purchase. Period.

5. "The labels on sunglasses are always accurate."

Unfortunately this is not the case, as it has been reported that some sunglasses have been inaccurately labeled. This is not to say that labels can never be trusted, but when in doubt, stick to sunglasses produced by reputable manufacturers and sold from a well-regarded source.

6. "Having a darker tint means better protection from sunlight."

There is no correlation between lens darkness and amount of UV protection, so don't be tricked into thinking that the best sunglasses are the darkest ones. And dark sunglasses without sufficient UV protection can actually be quite harmful for you and your children, as the dark tint can cause one's pupils to dilate, thereby exposing them further to the effects of sunlight. Consequently, your best bet is to focus more on full UV protection than lens color.

7. "My sunglasses say they're polarized, so I'm definitely protected."

Actually, polarization merely means that the lenses may reduce glare, and this has no relation to UV protection. Having polarized sunglasses is a nice feature, but it's not essential to long-term ocular health. What is essential is that your shades provide full protection from the potentially harmful effects of the sun's UV rays.

8. "High-end sunglasses aren't worth it."

A really good pair of sunglasses is a worthwhile investment in your family's eye health. High-end sunglasses undergo rigorous testing and normally have lifetime warranties from the manufacturer, and have a frame sturdy enough to have an optometrist add high-end sunglass prescription lenses. Low-end sunglasses may have the UV protection but not the other benefits.

9. "The style and size of the lenses don't matter, as long as they provide 100 percent UV protection."

It's great if your sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from UV rays, but the size and style of the lenses are also significant protective factors. Small lenses provide less eye protection than larger ones because they permit more sunlight to enter; if the lenses rest a far distance from the eyes, then there's even less protection. Thus, you might consider choosing larger lenses that wrap fully around the eyes, protecting them from angles that smaller lenses wouldn't.

10. "I lose or break my sunglasses all the time, so there's no point wearing them."

Interestingly, it has been reported that 14 percent of respondents in a study use that very excuse: They don't wear sunglasses because they're constantly losing or breaking them. Undoubtedly, kids are just as liable to break or lose sunglasses as adults, if not more so. Nonetheless, if we weigh the cost of buying new shades versus the cost of poor eye health, there's really no excuse to not wear sunglasses.

Now that we've debunked the myths surrounding sunglasses, the only thing left to do is get some high-quality shades for you and your family. With the right knowledge and good habits in place, it's not difficult to leverage the protective power of a good pair of sunglasses. There's no doubt about it: Sunglasses make it "cool" to protect your family's eyesight.

The post 10 sunglasses myths that may be hurting your family’s vision appeared first on FamilyToday.