Keeping Kids’ Eyes Healthy for the Future
- Posted on: Jan 12 2016
As parents, we know the importance of annual visits to the pediatrician for our children. But did you know that annual eye exams are just as important?
Staring up at whiteboards covered in math problems and reading schoolbooks for hours at a time is tiring for most children, but it’s incredibly difficult for a child with undiagnosed vision problems. And with more children playing after-school sports, young athletes may get discouraged if they’re not excelling due to failing eyesight. Getting the most from activities both in and out of school often hinges on good vision.
Eye exams are critical to ensure that children’s vision does not hold them back in academics, sports, theater, arts, or music. In fact, 5-10% of preschoolers and 25% of school-aged children have vision problems, which can often go undiagnosed. Annual exams will also help your child’s long term eye health, since children are often more responsive to treatment when diagnosed early. As a result, your child’s ability to learn and grow will more easily reach its full potential.
What’s really essential for children is a full evaluation—which is what they will receive with an eye exam at Cornea Consultants of Albany. A vision screening at your pediatrician’s office evaluates the quality of your child’s vision, but an exam from Cornea Consultants will evaluate the need for glasses or contact lenses and look for other vision issues that could impair eyesight for life. These can range from “lazy eyes” (amblyopia) to severe diseases, such as glaucoma.
So now you may be wondering, when should I make my child’s first eye appointment? According to The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, children should be examined between age six months to one year, and again between age 3 and 3.5. Upon entering school, eyes should be screened for visual acuity whenever a problem is suspected.
Here at Cornea Consultants of Albany, we are committed to ensuring that your children have a positive experience in our office, and leave with healthy eyes and proper treatment plans to ensure lifelong success.
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