Childrens Eye Examinations
Preventative Eye Exams For Children
Not all vision problems occur with age, which is why even children need to have routine eye exams. We recommend for children to have eye exams prior to entering school so that we can detect any vision problems that might affect learning.
Most people believe that children have perfect eye sight because many vision problems occur with age, but the fact is ONLY 15 percent of babies are born with no eye problems. Since 80 percent of babies are born far-sighted and 5 percent are born near-sighted children’s eye exams are crucial in determining early vision problems. As children grow the incidence of farsightedness decreases while nearsightedness increases and usually occurs prior to age 25.
During children’s eye exams our staff will thoroughly review the health of the child and vision history as well as any family vision history. Children’s eye exams also include an array of tests for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, crossed-eyes, color perception, lazy eye, eye coordination and focusing ability. The time taken to examine a child’s vision and vision history will allow our optometrists to find a solution, if needed, to any vision problems.
Children are not always aware of vision problems they may be having because they think what they are experiencing is normal. If children have routine eye exams any changes and problems can be easily detected. Often time’s children do not detect their vision problems until they have difficulty in school reading the black board.
Parents should be aware of the symptoms that can indicate their child has a vision problem. Below are a few things parents should watch their children for:
- Holding reading material closer than normal
- Losing his or her place while reading
- Rubbing his/her eyes often
- Having headaches
- Uses a finger to maintain their place while reading
- Omits or confuses small words when reading
- Performs below potential
If any of these symptoms are present you should really consider having your children’s eyes examined for potential problems.
If vision skills including: near vision, distance vision, binocular coordination, eye movement skills, peripheral awareness and hand/eye coordination are lacking children’s eyes have to work much harder. Eyes that have to work harder can lead to blurred vision, headaches and fatigue. During your children’s routine eye exams problems with these skills can be easily detected.
Parents can ensure better vision for their children by following a few simple rules. Make sure televisions are easy for children to view by having soft room lighting, avoiding glares on the screen and maintain a safe distance from the TV. Have your children take breaks during periods of concentration like using the computer or playing video games. Be sure to also take measures to protect your children’s eyes from dangerous objects or materials.
After reviewing and assessing your child's test results one of our optometrists might prescribe glasses, contact lenses or vision therapy. If vision therapy is prescribed as a result of your child’s eye exam it will help to reinforce or re-teach vision skills that glasses or contact lenses cannot correct.
The frequency of your child’s eye examinations depends on your family history and any specific vision problems he or she might have.