We all want the best for our kids. Part of that is ensuring your child has good vision, which is crucial for their growth and learning. As the new school year rolls around the corner, we urge you to be on the lookout for your child’s eye health. In this guide, we touch on the importance of pediatric eye care, common eye conditions in children, and tips on how to keep your child’s eyes healthy.
What Is Pediatric Eye Care?
Pediatric eye care focuses on diagnosing and treating eye conditions in children from infancy all the way through adolescence, as well as supporting healthy vision. Child eye care includes routine eye exams, vision screenings, and treatments for various eye problems. Our optometric team is trained to manage the unique needs of children's developing vision, while helping every child feel safe and comfortable each step of the way.
The Importance of Early Eye Exams
Many eye conditions, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes), can be more effectively treated when caught early. The American Optometric Association suggests that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months, followed by additional exams at three years, and then every two years thereafter, or as recommended by your eye doctor. Monitoring your child’s vision on a regular basis allows us to track any changes and address them promptly so that poor vision doesn’t hinder their success.
Common Pediatric Eye Conditions
Children can experience a variety of eye conditions; here are the most common ones:
- Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): This condition occurs when one eye is weaker than the other, leading the brain to favor the stronger eye. Treatment usually involves patching the stronger eye to force the weaker one to work harder and can include a personalized vision therapy program.
- Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): When the eyes are not aligned, it can cause double vision or eye strain. Early treatment may include prism glasses, eye exercises, or surgery.
- Refractive Errors: Conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can cause blurry vision. These are easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This manifests as an infection or inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye, leading to redness, itching, and discharge. Treatment typically includes antibiotic drops for bacterial infections.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
Oftentimes, children may not always be able to articulate their vision problems, so it's important to watch for signs that may indicate an issue:
- Frequent eye rubbing or squinting
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty following objects with their eyes
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Complaints of blurry or double vision
- Holding objects very close to their face
- Reading or writing below grade level
- Disinterest in doing homework
- Behavioral difficulties
Tips for Maintaining Your Child's Eye Health
Maintaining good eye health for your child involves regular check-ups and healthy habits:
- Routine Eye Exams: Follow the recommended schedule for eye exams to catch any problems early.
- Increase “Sun Time”: Spending time outdoors during the day offers children protective benefits against developing high myopia (nearsightedness).
- Limit Near Work: Excessively focusing on near objects, such as screen time or reading, can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Encourage breaks every 20 minutes if possible.
- Protective Eyewear: Ensure your child wears protective eyewear during sports and outdoor activities to prevent injuries.
- Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids supports healthy vision.
- Sun Protection: Provide your child with high-quality sunglasses they’ll want to wear to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays.
Providing Your Child with Specialized Eye Care From Acworth Family Eyecare
Selecting the right eye care provider is crucial for your child’s vision health. Our team has extensive experience in pediatric optometry and offers a child-friendly environment to help ensure a stress-free and pleasant visit.
If it’s been more than a year since your child’s last visit to the eye doctor, request their next appointment here.