It’s never too early to start taking care of your eyes, and in the case of children, it’s very important! Pediatric eye care can help diagnose vision problems early on.
Early diagnosis can prevent escalation, improve academics, and increase confidence. This can also instill good eye care habits that will last a lifetime. Before bringing in your child for their first eye appointment, here is an inside look at what to expect.
Symptoms Of A Child With Vision Problems
Kids need their eyesight to be in good condition so that they can experience all that life has to offer. In fact, some studies suggest that as much as 80% of learning is visual. Without proper eye care, a child is at risk of falling behind.
Common symptoms of vision problems include blurry vision, headaches, and bad grades. You should also watch out for difficulty with reading. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it could be a sign that they are having a hard time seeing.
How Often Should You Schedule Pediatric Eye Exams?
The frequency of eye exams depends most on the age of the patient. This is one of the biggest risk factors with eye problems. As you get older, you are at a higher risk of developing conditions like cataracts or glaucoma. This means that you’ll need more eye exams as you age.
For children, vision tends to fluctuate more often. As a result, they need more eye exams than adults do. A child’s first eye exam should happen when they are six months old. Their next exam usually happens around the age of three.
Another eye exam isn’t necessary until your child is about to start school. It is important to take your child at this age to make sure they have not developed vision problems. Once they have started school, they should have an eye exam every two years. If a vision problem is found, they will need to come in every year.
You may also consider setting up an eye exam when your child receives their annual physical to be safe. There’s no right or wrong way as long as your child has eye exams when they need them.
What Pediatric Eye Exams Look For
A baby’s first eye exam ensures that your infant is reaching milestones as they develop. At six months old, many vision processes have yet to develop, so it’s important to find any problems early.
Between the ages of two and five, children begin to learn hand-eye coordination. It is important to have a strong foundation with fine motor skills. This foundation can encourage a child’s ability to perform well in school, be creative, and have fun.
A child’s vision will continue fluctuating until reaching adulthood. This is normal and is why it is so important to have frequent eye exams.
Does your child need a pediatric eye exam? Schedule your appointment with the experts at Eyecare Specialists in Kingston, PA today! It’s never too early to start a lifetime of visual excellence.
