Most people will need to wear glasses at some point in their lives. Some people may see perfectly into their 40s while others will need glasses before they start kindergarten. No matter when vision problems start, it is very rare for a person to go their entire life without needing some type of corrective vision wear.
The two most important things you can do to monitor your child’s eye health and make sure their vision is developing properly are to bring them in for regular checkups and be aware of the signs/symptoms of vision problems.
Routine medical exams for kids’ vision include:
- At birth, a check for general eye health in the hospital nursery
- At 6 months, the American Optometric Association recommends scheduling your baby’s first eye assessment as part of the InfantSEE program
- During the first year of life, routine screenings for eye health during checkups with pediatrician
- At 3 1/2, an eye health screening and visual acuity test that measures the sharpness of vision, with pediatrician
- Before kindergarten, kids should have their vision and eye alignment checked by a pediatrician who will refer them to an eye doctor if necessaryThe State of Kentucky requires all 5 year old children to receive a complete eye exam before entering kindergarten
- The State of Kentucky requires all 5 year old children to receive a complete eye exam before entering kindergarten
- After age 5, routine screenings should be done at school and the primary doctor’s office
- Kids who wear prescription glasses or contacts should have annual checkups by an eye doctor to screen for vision changes
In between eye exams, here are some things to monitor:
- Squinting
- Covering one eye to see better
- Rubbing the eyes
- Sitting too close to the television or lowering the head while reading a book
- Inability to keep their place while reading
- Frequent headaches
Each of these symptoms can indicate a vision problem and should be brought to a doctor’s attention immediately.
If your child needs an eye exam before kindergarten or you have been told by your pediatrician that your child should see an eye doctor, we would be happy to schedule an appointment with you at Vision First. Contact us here for more information.
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