Pediatric Eye Exams and Sports: Protecting Your Child’s Vision on the Field

You want your sports-loving kids to have fun and stay safe, not get hurt. But do you also think about protecting their eyes? Sports-related eye injuries are common among children and can cause severe vision problems. That is why regular pediatric eye exams and proper eye protection are essential for your child’s eye health and safety.

 

Why Are Pediatric Eye Exams Important for Sports?

Pediatric eye exams can detect, correct, and prevent vision problems. Many eye conditions, such as acuity, depth perception, eye coordination, and peripheral vision, can affect your child’s vision skills. These skills are crucial for playing sports and avoiding accidents.

If your little one has an undiagnosed or untreated eye condition, they may struggle in sports. Pediatric eye exams can help kids see better, which will help them protect their eyes from damage while doing sports. The eye doctor can check your child’s eyes for problems and prescribe glasses or contact lenses if needed. They can also tell you the best type of eye protection for your child’s sport and how to care for it.

 

How Often Should Your Child Have an Eye Exam?

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and the AOA (American Optometric Association) say children should have their first eye exam at six months, another one at three years, and one more before school. Then, they should have an eye exam every one to two years, or more often if they have eye problems.
Some things that can cause eye problems in children are:

 

• Eye diseases or conditions in the family

• Being born too early or too small.

• Infections or injuries in the eyes.

• Diseases like diabetes or sickle cell anemia

• Medicines that can affect the eyes

Signs of Eye Problems in Children

 

• Squinting, rubbing, or closing one eye

• Having headaches, nausea, or dizziness

• Seeing blurry or double

• Having trouble reading or writing

• Avoiding near or distant tasks

• Tilting or turning the head to see better

• Having redness, swelling, or discharge from the eyes

If your child has any of these things or signs, you should take them to an eye doctor immediately. You should also take them to an eye doctor if they get an eye injury during sports or other activities.

 

What Kind of Eye Protection Does Your Child Need for Sports?

The AAP and the AOA say wearing proper protective eyewear can prevent most eye injuries from sports. This includes glasses, goggles, shields, or helmets made of solid and safe materials like polycarbonate lenses or plastic. The kind of protective eyewear your child needs depends on their sport and how risky it is. Some sports are more likely to cause eye injuries than others.

 

How to Protect Your Child’s Vision on the Field

Pediatric eye exams and sports can make your child healthy and happy. You can help your little one have fun and stay safe in sports by taking them for regular eye exams and giving them proper eye protection.
You can also show them how to keep their eyes safe on the field, like wearing proper eyewear, cleaning and caring for it, changing it if it breaks, and seeing a doctor if they hurt their eyes.

 

Conclusion

 

Your child’s eyes are precious and deserve the best care. These steps can make your child’s game fun and safe. For any eye issues, consult your eye doctor.
For more information on pediatric eye exams, visit Lakeview Optometry at our Monticello, Indiana, office. Call (574) 583-5531 to schedule an appointment today.