Sometimes we forget about our little ones and only figure that adults need regular visits to the eye doctor. This is so wrong, because the numbers show otherwise. According to the American Optometry Association (AOA), it is estimated that one in four children has a vision-related condition.
Take your children to the pediatrician and dentist for regular check-ups. It also makes sense that a visit to the eye doctor would become part of the total healthcare routine. Although your child might not wear glasses at the moment, he or she still needs regular and complete eye exams.
School Screenings and Optometrists
A school nurse usually gives a basic eye screening test to young pupils. The goal of the screening is to check their distance vision. That means, how well the child can read a chart from 20 feet. However, near-sighted vision isn’t tested in the screening, so eye experts suggest that this is too basic. A child might easily read the eye chart but not be able to read the printed words in a book. Therefore, a licensed optometrist should examine your child. Professionals, like those at Spectacle Shoppe, Inc., can help identify nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that affects the eyes. Learning how to properly deal with these sort of conditions is the first step to better vision for your child.
Eye Exams for Baby
Don’t wait for your infant to grow and begin school before thinking about an eye visit. The AOA (American Optometry Association) also has guidelines that recommend the first eye exam take place within your baby’s first 12 months of life. Pre-school-age children, age two to three, should undergo an eye exam when they are old enough to understand and respond to the exam. Children at age five, should have an eye exam before entering kindergarten.
When a child turns six and is beginning first grade, he or she should have a complete eye exam every two years if no vision problems have been identified. Children who wear glasses or who have other eye conditions should see the eye doctor on an annual basis.
How Poor Vision Affects Young Children
When a young child is having vision problems, his or her attention can begin to drift and thereby, learning in school can suffer, because the child has problems focusing clearly. That is not the only thing that’s affected. When a young person has developed eye problems, some of these can cause physical development issues like tripping and poor hand-eye coordination. Such eye muscle imbalances can obviously affect the child’s depth perception.
Our beautiful children need our guidance in every way, including the care of their precious eyesight. Visiting an eye doctor is the smart way to protect your child’s continued development. Taking the time to schedule regular appointments can help mitigate any potential problems that might occur.
