Interview with Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache, Senior Ophthalmologist, Gauss Eye Clinic
Reporter: Doctor, the beginning of the school year is always an emotional moment for children and parents alike. Why should we also think about eye health at this time?
Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache: It’s very important, because good vision is the foundation of any learning process. If a child cannot see the blackboard properly or gets tired quickly while reading, he or she will struggle not only at school but also in daily life. In recent years, we’ve seen a worrying rise in childhood myopia, one of the main causes being excessive screen time – phones, tablets, laptops.
GADGETS AND CHILDREN’S EYES
Reporter: So technology is really affecting kids?
Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache: Yes, because children’s eyes are not built to stay focused on screens for hours on end. Apart from fatigue, they may experience headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, or even sleep disturbances. That’s why I recommend parents use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen use, the child should look away for 20 seconds at a distance of at least 6 meters.
NIGHT LENSES – A MODERN SOLUTION FOR CHILDREN
Reporter: What solutions are available to prevent or correct vision problems in children?
Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache: One of the most modern and effective methods is night lenses, also called orthokeratology lenses. These are special rigid lenses worn only at night, which slow down the progression of myopia. During sleep, they temporarily reshape the cornea in a controlled way, so that in the morning the child removes them and sees perfectly throughout the day without glasses or contact lenses.
The advantages are many: the child is free from glasses during the day, can play sports or do other activities without restrictions, and studies show these lenses can significantly slow down myopia. They are safe as long as hygiene rules and regular check-ups are respected.
MIYOSMART LENSES – DESIGNED TO SLOW MYOPIA
Reporter: We’ve been hearing more and more about MiYOSMART lenses. What are they?
Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache: MiYOSMART lenses are an innovation in pediatric ophthalmology and an alternative to night contact lenses. They look like regular eyeglass lenses but are designed especially for children with myopia. Their unique technology not only corrects vision but also slows myopia progression – which is extremely important, since untreated or advanced myopia can cause serious problems in adulthood.
They are easy to wear, safe, and often preferred by parents because they don’t require the adjustment period that contact lenses do.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REGULAR GLASSES AND MODERN SOLUTIONS
Reporter: Many parents wonder: why choose night lenses or MiYOSMART instead of regular glasses?
Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache: Regular glasses correct vision at the moment but do not influence the course of myopia. The child sees better, but the diopters continue to increase over time. Night lenses and MiYOSMART, on the other hand, have a dual role: they correct vision and slow disease progression. That makes a real difference in the long run, because a child with low myopia has a much greater chance of becoming an adult without major eye complications.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND MYOPIA PREVENTION
Reporter: Besides check-ups and lenses, are there simple things parents can do at home for their children’s eye health?
Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache: Yes, absolutely. A key factor is spending time outdoors. Studies show that two hours of daily outdoor activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing or worsening myopia. Natural light has a protective role, and looking into the distance relaxes the eyes. That’s why I encourage parents to promote walks, playtime in the park, cycling – any activity that gets children away from screens.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR CHECK-UPS
Reporter: What do you recommend parents do at the start of the school year?
Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache: Don’t leave the eye exam for last. Just because a child doesn’t complain doesn’t mean they see perfectly. Sometimes myopia progresses “silently” and is only noticed when school problems appear. An annual check-up is essential, and if there’s a family history of myopia, even more attention is needed.
GAUSS EYE CLINIC – CLOSE TO PATIENTS IN SEVERAL COUNTIES
Reporter: How can you support parents and children in practice?
Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache: At Gauss Eye Clinic we offer full consultations for children and adults, we fit night lenses and MiYOSMART lenses, and we provide other modern treatments for vision problems. We have practices both here locally and in two other counties, so our patients can access services close to home.
My message for parents is simple: take care of your children’s eyes just as you do with school bags, supplies, and uniforms. Healthy vision is the most valuable “tool” for learning.
Reporter: One last piece of advice for parents?
Dr. Oana Chelaru Postolache: I always tell parents that children’s eyes are the windows through which they discover the world. They deserve to be protected early, so that their future is clear and bright. At Gauss Eye Clinic we support families with expertise, patience, and modern solutions for every child. We warmly welcome you to our clinics, both here and in the other locations across the two counties where we have expanded.
GAUSS EYE CLINIC LOCATIONS
Bacău:
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Str. I. S. Sturza no. 39
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Str. Mioriței no. 29 B (opposite PTTR High School)
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Str. Luminii no. 3 (same row as Hotel Bistrița)
Piatra Neamț: Str. Decebal no. 14 (opposite Central Plaza Hotel)
Onești: Str. Republicii 1 (inside the former G. Călinescu bookstore)
Moinești: Str. V. Alecsandri no. 5 (between Town Hall and Marriage Office)
Comănești: Str. Republicii E4 (between roundabout and railway crossing, next to BRD)
Buhuși: Str. Tineretului, bl. 24, sc. D, ground floor (near Ion Borcea High School)
Tg. Ocna: Str. Costache Negri no. A10, sc. B, ground floor
Roman: Roman Mușat Blvd. no. 38 (same building as Pizza Luca)
Tg. Neamț: M. Eminescu Blvd., bl. M9, ground floor
Focșani: Cuza Vodă St. no. 1, Bl. B3, Ground Floor
📞 Appointments & Information: 0732 377 377
