Most parents know that it is important for their children to get routine check-ups with the pediatrician. However, many people may not realize that an eye exam is also an important part of a child’s health, learning, and development. In this article, we will discuss when your child should get their eyes looked at, and the importance of pediatric eye exams. We will also provide tips on how to make sure your child gets the best eye care possible. Thanks for reading!
Why do kids need eye exams?
Most people know that eye exams can detect conditions such as nearsightedness (also known as myopia), farsightedness (also known as hypermetropia) and astigmatism. Some people know that eye exams are able to detect many systemic and autoimmune conditions. But what not many people know is that eye exams can help detect any vision related reading or learning disabilities. Eye problems such as difficulty seeing are often associated with many other health issues such as attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). The Canadian Association recommends that children get their first eye exam between 6-12 months, then our doctors believe your kids should get their eyes examined yearly afterwards to ensure that their eyes are growing and developing healthily as they are growing. We think it is important to get your child in for an eye exam every year, as many vision problems can go undetected if not checked on a regular basis.
There are several ways that you can make sure that your child gets the best care possible. First, make sure that you pick an optometrist whos is qualified and passionate about about seeing kids for eye exams and treating any ocular and visual diseases and disorders. Be sure to ask your doctor about any vision problems your child may have.
Why is it so important for your child to see clearly?
Good vision is extremely important for children as it can affect their academic performance. In fact, research has shown that upwards of 60% of students who have difficulty seeing clearly subsequently have difficulties achieving the same levels of success as their peers. The majority of learning is visual, and it has been shown that as much as 75% of all learning is done through visual means. A child who can not see clearly, or comfortably, will therefor have unnecessary difficulties with learning throughout their schooling and adolescence.
One of the most common consequences of a child who needs glasses, but does not have them, is avoidance of tasks including reading and homework. This can be the case because kids who need glasses, but do not have them, often have to strain their eyes significantly harder in order to see what they’re trying to read or learn. When an individual works their eye muscles harder than they want to, it can often lead to symptoms such as headaches, general fatigue and eye fatigue, and avoidance of tasks
What are some signs that I should bring my child in for an eye exam? How do I know if my kid needs glasses?
Some of the most common signs of vision issues that parents might see in their kids are: squinting, eye turns, head tilts, excessive rubbing of eyes, excessive blinking, red eyes, or watery eyes. Children often do not realize that what they’re seeing and how they’re using their eyes is not normal, because it has been normal for them their entire life.
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Common symptoms children vocalize |
Common behaviours of vision issues |
| “I can’t see the board in class”
“The words on the page are swimming” “I get double vision when I read” “I get headaches when I read”
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Sitting close to the TV Holding reading material close Difficulty seeing board from the back of class Decreased reading speed Near work avoidance Head turns or tilts Difficulty focusing for extended periods |
What is a lazy eye and how do I prevent it?
A “lazy eye”, also known as amblyopia, is what happens when an individuals eyes do not develop equally between the two. The bad news is that it is the leading cause of vision loss in kids, and some data suggests 3 in 100 kids have it. The good news is that it is preventable, should you catch it early and take the necessary steps to treat it. The most common causes of lazy eyes are eye turns (either crossed eyes or outward facing eyes), asymmetry in prescription between the eyes, are when a child has a very high glasses prescription in both eyes. If you catch and treat the condition before a child is in their pre-teen years, you can completely correct it. However, if it is not assessed and diagnosed until later in life, there is not anything you can do about it to fully treat it.
Since we walk around with both eyes open, children and their parents often do not realize a lazy eye is present since the stronger eye does most of the work. This reason alone warrants a visit to your optometrist to ensure both eyes are able to develop fully and properly.
How do they perform an eye exam and test vision on kids?
During your child’s comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will check all of the same structures and functions as they do in adults; however, in more creative ways. The health of both the outside and the inside of their eye will be assessed in detail. In order to assess the functional vision, your optometrist will typically rely on far more objective tests rather than subjective tests. Using a mixture of tried and tested traditional techniques, with a combination of the latest technology, your optometrist will be able to determine with great accuracy the magnitude and nature of your child’s prescription.
How does an eye exam correct my child’s vision?
So your kid needs glasses – Now what? The most common method of vision correction is through glasses, which remains as the gold standard. Your child may also be a candidate for contact lenses, no matter how young. Laser eye surgery is unfortunately not a feasible option in children; however, a great alternative option is Orthokeratology, which allows children to see clearly throughout the day with out the use of daytime glasses or contact lenses. Should you find that your child’s prescription is changing, your doctor may also implement myopia control options which can slow down the likelihood of progression of their nearsightedness through the use of special prescription eye drops, specialty contact lenses, or specially designed glasses.
What else can the optometrist find when my child has their first eye exam?
During an eye exam, the optometrist can also check for other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other systemic conditions. The eyes are sometimes the first place for signs of allergies and infections to manifest and present themselves. Should there be any signs of disease, your eye doctor may recommend further treatment or medication, or recommend a consultation with your family doctor or your child’s pediatrician.
Getting my child to have their first eye exam – conclusion
The eyes are the most delicate part of our body, and an eye exam is one of the best ways to ensure that your child’s vision remains healthy. We all know adult’s need eye exams, but it’s also never too early for your little one to get their first eye examination. This is not something to put off until tomorrow – your little one may need glasses sooner than you think. It’s important for kids to have regular eye exams, even if they don’t think there is a problem. Eye doctors can catch vision problems early on and help prevent them from causing permanent damage. Eye exams are also important for kids of all ages to ensure they have the best chance at succeeding in school and life overall. Reach out and schedule an appointment for your child’s eye exam today!
