When should your child get an Eye Exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends that all children should have a comprehensive eye exam by the time they are 3 years old, and again just before they start school. By comparing the test results of these two eye exams, we can tell how well the child’s vision is developing.
Once kids are in school, they should have an eye exam at least once every two years, or once a year if they already have glasses or contacts.
Your child may not tell you that they are having problems with their vision, because they may think that everyone else sees the way they do.
Following are some signs to watch for, that may indicate a vision problem:
- Sitting close to the TV or holding a book too close
- Short attention span
- Losing their place when reading
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting
- Tilting the head to one side
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination
- A drop in grades at school
Parents should be aware that a vision screening given at school or by a pediatrician is not the same as getting a comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
The vision screening process may be able to identify a potential issue for some kids, but an eye condition or a vision problem cannot be determined from the screening alone. According to the American Optometric Association, vision screenings may miss as many as 60% of children with vision problems. This is because many screenings only assess one of two areas of vision, and they may not test how well the child can focus, how their eyes work together, or their color vision.
It is important that parents be proactive about getting their kids in for their regular comprehensive eye exams. Many school-age kids have vision issues that affect their success in school if left untreated! Problems at school can lead to a lack of self-confidence, which can lead to other psychological issues.
Call us today at 503-833-2662 to make an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment online by clicking here.