Back to school time is here and the rush to get everything done has begun. Have you remembered to make that appointment for your child’s eye examination? If you haven’t don’t worry, you’re not alone and we are here to help!
Progressive Eye Center joins the American Optometric Association in emphasizing how important healthy vision is to academic success during Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month this August.
Good vision and overall eye health are vital to learning. One of the most important learning tools for your child is their eyes. Because children are still growing, staying on top of eye health is very important. The earlier vision problems are diagnosed, the sooner they can be treated.
For children to maintain healthy eyes and vision this school year, we recommend the following four tips:
1. Get an annual eye exam
A child’s vision can change rapidly, having regular eye exams is critical to detecting and correcting vision changes early. For an infant, an eye exam can be scheduled as early as three months of age, but for older children the following is recommended:
When to schedule eye exams for school age children:
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Pre-school – age 3
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When entering kindergarten
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Anytime there is a possible vision change or problem
2. What is your family health history?
Knowing your family health history and history of any eye diseases or conditions is important in protecting your child’s eye health and vision.
Examples of common vision conditions include an eye turn or crossed eye, known as strabismus, and lazy eye, known as amblyopia. If left untreated in childhood, these conditions can result in permanent decrease of vision in the affected eye.
3. Watch for signs of eye problems
The following are examples of symptoms you may notice that could be a sign of a vision problem:
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Squinting when trying to see objects at a distance
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One eye that turns in or out
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Squinting when reading a book or other tasks at near
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Headaches
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Grayish-white coloring in the pupil
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Complaints of eye strain
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Eyes that do not track together
4. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports
Whether it’s from being poked in the eye while playing basketball, hit with a hockey stick, eye related sports injuries can cause serious damage.
If your child plays basketball, football, hockey or racket sports, consider having them wear sports goggles or other protective eye wear while playing sports.
Conclusion
Although these four tips are not an inclusive list, as a general rule, parents should follow them to ensure their child’s vision is ready for back to school. Your child’s sight is vital for their education and success. Don’t wait to get their eyes checked! Schedule your child’s eye exam today.
If you have an eye related question, submit your question to AskTheExpert@progressiveeye.com
Please Note: Our experts do not provide medical advice on this platform. If you are experiencing signs/symptoms of a medical condition, seek medical attention with your eye care provider.
