Children are naturally visual learners, with 80% of their learning happening through their eyes. As parents and caregivers, it's our responsibility to ensure their visual health is a top priority. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of eye exams for children, signs of vision problems, and how Rivertown Eye Care can help your child see their world clearly.
The Importance of Eye Exams for Children.
Regular eye exams are crucial for children's educational success, as undetected vision problems can significantly hinder their progress. In fact, studies have shown that up to 25% of school-aged children have vision problems that can affect their learning. Early detection and treatment of these issues can greatly improve a child's academic performance and overall well-being.
Signs of Vision Problems in Children:
Parents and teachers should be on the lookout for the following signs that may indicate a child is struggling with their vision:
Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
Difficulty focusing on near or far objects
Squinting or tilting their head to see better
Frequent headaches or eye strain
Difficulty with reading, writing, or other close-up tasks
Avoidance of certain activities due to visual discomfort
It may be easier to detect vision issues through observation rather than expecting a child to be able to tell us themselves. Our friendly and compassionate optometrists understand this and have experience in helping reveal vision problems that are undiagnosed in children.
Why Children Struggle to Express Vision Problems
Children often have difficulty articulating their vision problems, as they may not have the vocabulary to describe the issue, depending on age. What’s more, they might not realize that their vision is not normal. They may also be hesitant to discuss their difficulties for fear of being different from their peers. Regular eye exams can help identify issues that children might not be able to express themselves.
Rivertown Eye Care: Family-Friendly and Comprehensive Eye Care
At Rivertown Eye Care, our exams are pain-free and safe for the entire family. We understand the importance of creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for children, and our opticians are skilled in working with young patients. Additionally, we carry fun, colorful, and durable eyewear for kids from Etnia Barcelona Eyewear and Nano Vista brands.
We are an InfantSEE® Provider
Rivertown Eye Care is proud to be an InfantSEE® provider. InfantSEE, a public health program managed by Optometry Cares - The AOA Foundation, offers no-cost comprehensive eye and vision assessments for infants aged 6-12 months, regardless of a family's income or insurance coverage.
Our InfantSEE assessments involve specialized equipment and procedures not available in most vision screenings. During the assessment, our opticians will test for:
Excessive or unequal amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
Eye movement ability
Eye health problems
Patient and family history
Early intervention is vital to ensure babies have the opportunity to develop the visual abilities they need to grow and learn. Comprehensive eye and vision care can detect problems early, setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy vision.
Recommended Eye Exam Frequency for Children.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following schedule for children's eye exams to ensure optimal eye health and development:
First exam at 6-12 months of age: This initial assessment can be performed through the InfantSEE program at Rivertown Eye Care, providing early detection of potential vision issues.
Age 3: A comprehensive eye exam should be conducted before a child starts preschool to identify any vision problems that could impact their learning.
Age 5-6: Another exam should be performed before the child begins kindergarten or first grade, as vision plays a crucial role in their academic success.
Ages 6-18: For school-aged children, the AOA recommends annual eye exams, as their eyes and vision can change rapidly during these years. Regular exams can help catch any issues early and ensure their vision remains clear and healthy.
By following the AOA's recommended eye exam schedule, parents can help safeguard their child's visual health and set them up for success in their educational endeavors.
At Rivertown Eye Care, we are dedicated to helping your child achieve their full potential by ensuring their visual health is well taken care of. Schedule an appointment for your child today and give them the gift of clear vision for a brighter future!