It is common practice for your pediatrician to conduct a passing vision screening at your little one’s annual physical. Such brief eye screenings should never substitute for a comprehensive eye examination performed by an eye doctor.
Do Children Need Eye Examinations?
An eye doctor will use specialized diagnostic and clinical tools to assess and determine your child’s eye health and vision abilities. Did you know that your precious one’s strength of visual skills can have a huge effect on his or her learning abilities?
Issues such as accurate eye movement, binocular vision, and the ability to see distant/near objects clearly are extremely important. According to most eye doctors, children should have their first eye examination before reaching school age.
You need to understand that a child’s eye exam is an important expert assessment of your little one’s vision and eye health. Therefore, you need to look for a licensed and experienced pediatric ophthalmologist or pediatric optometrist. These are the only medical professionals with the advanced clinical tools, training, and experience to perform a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s vision and eyes.
Are Eye Exams for Children Important?
Eye examinations for kids are extremely important when it comes to ensuring that your child’s eyes are healthy. Again, vision problems can interfere with your child’s school performance, in addition to having an impact on his or her safety and overall wellness.
Does your little one find it difficult to read writings on the board? If this sounds familiar to you, then it is time for them to visit an eye doctor. Regular eye examinations for kids are vital because their vision changes often and sometimes unexpectedly.
Essential Visual Skills for Children
Your child will need visual skills to learn and go about their daily activities comfortably and safely. Some of these skills include:
- Accurate eye movement.
- Good visual acuity at all distances.
- Comfortable and accurate eye teaming skills.
Why It Is Important to Take Your Child for Regular Eye Exams
Vision problems in children, especially those between six years and 18 years, can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Attention and behavioral problems.
- Impaired development.
- Permanent loss of vision.
- Learning difficulties.
Take your child for a comprehensive eye exam every year. The vision screenings most schools offer are nowhere near adequate. Your precious little one’s vision and eye health need better care. Annual comprehensive screenings from a licensed and experienced eye doctor should reveal any possible vision or eye problem. Such screenings are also necessary for identifying and diagnosing eye diseases that can lead to complications, such as permanent vision loss.
You should take your child for their first comprehensive eye examination at six months of age. Afterward, have their eyes examined at age three. Do you have a school-aged child? If you do, take them for eye exams at least once every two years if they require any vision correction.
To learn more about the importance of eye exams for kids, visit Advanced Eyecare Center PC at our offices in Urbandale, Iowa. You can also call 515-303-4488 to book an appointment today.