As parents, your children’s health will always be a priority. You bring them to the doctor for regular checkups and watch out for signs they need emergency care. But what about their eye health? Having their eyes checked as soon as possible helps detect eye and vision problems early on. So, when should your child have their first eye exam?
When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends that infants have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age. It may seem too early, but at this stage, ophthalmologists can detect eye conditions that may impact the child's development.
For instance, they can already detect farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. Moreover, they can examine eye health, alignment, and movement ability.
Have Their Eyes Checked As Soon As Possible
If your child passed their sixth month without a comprehensive eye exam, don’t worry. You can bring them to the doctor before their first birthday. If he or she is over a year old, set an appointment as soon as possible.
The bottom line is that if your child is past their sixth month and has yet to have an eye exam, set up an appointment immediately.
The First Eye Exam Experience
You may wonder what to expect during your child's first eye exam. Rest assured, eye care professionals who specialize in pediatric eye care have a gentle and child-friendly approach.
The eye exam typically involves a series of simple tests to evaluate your child's visual acuity, alignment, and overall eye health. Some tests may use pictures or shapes instead of letters to accommodate young children who may not know the alphabet yet.
Why Is Early Detection Important?
Children heavily depend on their vision for learning and development. Hence, undetected eye conditions can affect not just their schoolwork but also their social interactions. They may likewise impact how they explore their surroundings. Identifying and addressing vision issues early on can prevent long-term consequences and give our children the best chance of optimal vision.
Take a condition called lazy eye, for instance. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best results happen when treatment begins before the child reaches seven years old.
Eye Exams As Your Child Grows
Regular eye exams should be part of your child's healthcare routine as they grow. After all, vision changes can occur anytime during childhood. As a result, it's crucial to schedule exams in accordance with the eye care specialist's advice. This ensures that any emerging vision problems are identified and treated immediately.
There are exceptions, of course. Don't wait for an appointment if your child has notable eye or vision symptoms. Please bring him or her to the ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Some symptoms to watch out for include sensitivity to light and frequent eye rubbing or squinting.
Schedule Your Child for a Comprehensive Eye Exam today
Is it time for your child’s eye exam? Trust only the experts. Visit Family Vision Solutions at our Spring, Texas, office. You may also call (713) 349-0224 to schedule an appointment today.
