Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important for Children's Vision and Overall Health

Children's vision aids them in comprehending their surroundings. It plays a critical role in their development. An uncorrected vision issue may impair your little one's ability to learn and reach his/her full potential. Routine eye exams are necessary to keep kids' eyes healthy.
 

Approximately one in four preschool-aged kids in the U.S. has an undiagnosed or untreated vision problem. Many vision issues begin in childhood, so parents should ensure that their children undergo regular eye exams. After all, a child's vision is critical to his or her development and learning ability.

Pediatric Eye Exams

A pediatric optometrist or pediatric ophthalmologist performs this examination. A pediatrician or family practice doctor's brief examination of your child's eyes and vision screening is not enough. It is not a substitute for an eye exam performed by an eye doctor. Only a pediatric eye doctor has the advanced training and clinical tools to evaluate your little one's eyes and vision thoroughly.

Benefits of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams for Children's Vision and Health

Some of the benefits of having regular pediatric eye exams for children's vision and health include:

Early Detection and Treatment of Vision Problems

Kids' eyes are continually developing. Early detection and treatment of vision issues help ensure their visual development is on track. Pediatric eye doctors can provide appropriate treatment, such as eyeglasses or vision therapy, to help improve children's vision and prevent long-term problems if doctors detect any.

Early Detection of Certain Health Issues

Comprehensive eye exams can aid in the detection of other health issues that would otherwise go undetected. Diabetes, hypertension, and other medical conditions, for example, can cause changes in the eye. An eye exam can detect such changes. Pediatric eye doctors can refer kids to a primary care provider for further evaluation and treatment if they notice these changes during the exam.

Improved Performance in School

Children's learning and educational performance benefit from good vision. If your little one has vision problems, it can interfere with his/her ability to read, write, and see the blackboard at school. This can lead to learning difficulties. Regular eye exams can aid in detecting and treating any vision issues affecting your child's academic performance.

Improved Overall Health

A child's vision is critical to his/her overall health and well-being. When children's vision is healthy and functioning correctly, they are more likely to participate in physical activities and be more active. That can benefit their overall health.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, kids' initial eye examinations should be done at six months. They should undergo additional exams at three years of age and before beginning kindergarten or first grade. After that, they should undergo eye exams every two years. That is unless they have a specific vision problem or other risk factors that necessitate more frequent exams.

Bottom Line

Routine pediatric eye exams are integral to keeping kids' vision and eye health in check. If you are worried or concerned about your little one's vision or eye health, it is best to consult his or her eye doctor or pediatrician.

For more on pediatric eye exams, visit Lakeview Optometry at our office in Monticello, Indiana. Call (574) 622-8400 to book an appointment today.