Healthy Eyes, Happy Kids: Pediatric Eye Exams
Your child's vision is essential for their learning and development. But kids don't always know when they're having trouble seeing, so it's important to take them for regular eye exams.
Pediatric eye care specialists use special techniques and technology to test children's vision accurately and comfortably. They can also help you understand your child's unique vision needs and recommend the best treatment options.
Your Child's Vision as They Grow
According to experts, 80% of learning is visual. So, if your child has trouble seeing clearly, it can significantly impact their academic performance and overall development.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children have their eyes examined at the following ages:
- Six months
- Three years
- Before starting school
- Every two years after that
If your child has any of the following risk factors, they may need more frequent eye exams:
- Developmental delays
- Premature birth
- Crossed or lazy eyes
- Family history of eye disease
- Previous eye injuries
- Wears glasses or contact lenses
Children's eyes can rapidly change as they grow, so it is essential to maintain their vision health. Request an eye exam in DuPage County for your child.
Your baby's eyesight is developing rapidly, so getting them a comprehensive eye exam at six months is essential.
Over the first few months of life, babies learn to focus, move their eyes, and use them together to see. The brain is also learning to process visual information from the eyes. This is essential for motor development, such as crawling, walking, and hand-eye coordination.
At the six-month eye exam, the doctor will check that your baby is seeing properly and developing on track. They will also look for conditions that could impair eye health or vision, such as strabismus, farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism.
If your baby is born premature or shows signs of developmental delay, they may need more frequent eye exams. This is because they are at a higher risk of eye and vision problems.
Toddlers and preschoolers are growing rapidly, mentally and physically, when they develop the fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and perceptual abilities they need for reading, writing, sports, and creative activities like drawing, sculpting, and building. All of this depends on good vision and visual processing.
Parents should look for signs of vision problems at this age, such as lazy eye (amblyopia) and crossed eyes (strabismus). The earlier we treat these conditions, the better the outcome.
Suppose you notice your child squinting, rubbing their eyes frequently, sitting too close to the TV or reading material, or avoiding activities like puzzles or coloring. In that case, taking them to the eye doctor is a good idea. Vision problems can often cause developmental delays in object, number, or letter recognition, color recognition, and coordination.
Vision problems can significantly impact children and teens, both academically and personally. If your child is struggling in school or after-school activities, it's essential to consider the possibility of a vision problem.
Learning, motor development, reading, and many other skills depend on good vision and the ability of the eyes to work together. Children with vision problems may have trouble focusing, reading, teaming their eyes, or coordinating hand-eye movements, leading to frustration, behavioral issues, and poor academic performance.
Signs of vision problems in older children include:
- Short attention span
- Headaches
- Frequent blinking
- Avoiding reading
- Tilting the head to one side
- Losing their place often while reading
- Double vision
- Poor reading comprehension
If you notice any of these signs in your child, don’t hesitate to schedule an eye exam. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can help ensure your child’s success in school and life.
Why Does Illinois Require Eye Exams for Kindergarteners?
Early detection and treatment of vision problems can impact children's success in school and beyond.
Uncorrected vision problems can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and misclassification. They can also prevent children from developing the right attitudes toward school and learning.
The good news is that an eye exam at our office is a pleasant experience for children of all ages. Our staff and doctors in Glen Ellyn are patient and understanding, and our computerized equipment is accurate. We even have children's eye charts with pictures and NO AIR-PUFF glaucoma measurement!
Schedule your child's eye exam and give them the best chance for success.
