When To Schedule Your Child's First Eye Exam: Tips For Parents
As a caring parent, you always want to make sure your child is healthy and happy. One important aspect of your child's health is their vision. Many parents wonder when they should schedule their child's first eye exam. The American Optometric Association recommends scheduling a child's first eye exam at 6 months of age, then again at 3 years old, and right before they start school. Take a look at when to schedule your child's first eye exam and some tips for parents who may be nervous about the whole situation.
A Few Indicators That Your Child May Have Vision Problems
As a parent, it's important to be aware of signs that your child may have vision problems. Some common signs include squinting, rubbing their eyes, headaches, and holding objects close to their face. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to schedule an eye exam for your child, however, these signs can change as your child adapts to their visual issues as they grow older, so it is not a definitive list. If you have any kind of doubts about your child's vision, even if it is just a sneaking suspicion or a gut feeling, then you should take them for an eye exam.
What To Expect During A Child's First Eye Exam
During a child's eye exam, the optometrist will perform various tests to evaluate their vision and eye health. They will look for common eye problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They will also check for eye diseases, such as amblyopia and strabismus. Since the child will be too young to effectively communicate with the optometrist, a lot of the time diagnoses are done purely based on what the optometrist can see and how the child physically reacts. If a baby has bad vision, and finally gets some clarity due to an eye exam, their demeanor will change dramatically.
The Importance Of Early Detection
Early detection of vision problems is essential for your child's overall health and development. If left untreated, vision problems can affect your child's ability to learn and succeed in school. They can also lead to more serious eye problems later in life. Most visual issues can be treated to some degree, and in many cases, they can be outright cured. Eye exams are the first step toward treating your child's visual problems so don't take them lightly! Schedule one today if you haven't had one for a while and hopefully your child can get on the path to 20/20 vision in no time.
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