As parents, we prioritize our children's well-being, providing them with the best possible care. While we often focus on their physical growth and general health, it is crucial not to overlook their visual development.
Regular eye exams help ensure that child’s vision develops normally, even from a very young age. Let’s shed light on the importance of eye exams for kdis between 6 and 12 months old, and how they contribute to their overall development.
At Lakeside Vision we take pride in providing quality children’s eye exams. Book an appointment now to get your child started on a path of life-long healthy vision.
Why Pediatric Eye Exams are Important
Detecting Vision Problems
Many parents assume that their child's vision is fine unless they show obvious signs of vision impairment. However, certain visual issues are not easily noticeable and may go undetected without professional assessment. Eye exams for children aged 6 to 12 months are designed to identify potential vision problems early on, including refractive errors, lazy eye (amblyopia), strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes), and other conditions.
Visual Developmental Milestones
The first year of a child's life is a critical period for visual development. During this time, various milestones are reached as their visual system continues to develop. Eye exams allow optometrists to evaluate and monitor the progress of visual skills such as focusing, depth perception, tracking objects, and hand-eye coordination. Identifying any delays in these milestones allows for early intervention and better outcomes for the child's visual and overall development.
Prevention of Amblyopia
Amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," is a condition that occurs when one eye has significantly better vision than the other. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss in the weaker eye. Regular eye exams help in the early detection of amblyopia, enabling timely intervention. Eye care professionals can prescribe corrective measures like patching the stronger eye, using eye drops, or recommending glasses to promote equal visual development in both eyes.
Correcting Refractive Errors
Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, can affect a child's ability to see clearly. Undiagnosed and untreated refractive errors may lead to difficulties in learning, reading, and overall academic performance.
Eye exams for infants and toddlers help identify refractive errors, allowing us to correct their vision where needed and facilitate healthy learning and development.
Early Intervention and Treatment
Early detection of vision problems in infants and young children allows for quick intervention and treatment, leading to better outcomes. Eye exams provide the opportunity for optometrists to identify potential issues and offer suitable treatment options. Early interventions may involve vision therapy, eye exercises, or other treatments tailored to the child's needs.
Overall Development and Quality of Life
Healthy vision is crucial for a child's overall development. Good vision enables them to explore their surroundings, engage in activities, and interact with their environment effectively. By addressing vision problems early on through eye exams, parents can promote their child's visual well-being, which, in turn, contributes to their overall quality of life, academic performance, and social interactions.
What to Expect During the Exam
During the appointment, the optometrist will evaluate the following:
- Visual acuity: The optometrist will assess your child's ability to see at different distances using age-appropriate testing methods.
- Eye alignment and movement: The optometrist will examine your child's eye alignment and movement, checking for any signs of strabismus or other eye muscle issues.
- Eye health: The optometrist will evaluate the overall health of your child's eyes, checking for any signs of infection, inflammation, or other issues that could impact vision or eye development.
- Refraction: The optometrist will determine if your child has any refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, and if corrective lenses are needed.
Making the Eye Exam Experience Comfortable and Fun for Your Child
It's natural for a child to feel scared or apprehensive about their first eye exam. To help your child feel more safe and secure, we suggest the following:
- Bring a comfort item: A quiet toy, blanket, or stuffed animal can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort during the eye exam.
- Discuss the appointment beforehand: Talk to your child about the eye exam, explaining what will happen during the appointment in simple terms. This can help alleviate any fears or anxiety they may have.
- Provide positive reinforcement: Praise your child for their cooperation during the eye exam and offer reassurance throughout the appointment. This will help your child feel more at ease and confident.
- Choose a child-friendly optometrist: Look for an optometrist with experience working with young children, such as the eye doctors at Lakeside Vision. Our entire team prioritizes your child’s comfort and well-being, and will do what we can to help your child feel safe before, during, and after the exam.
Book Your Child’s First Eye Exam
Remember, healthy eyes mean a brighter future! Get started today by booking an appointment with Dr. Amy M. Neal at Lakeside Vision .
We Are Open One Saturday per month (call for availability)
Our Optical Department opens at 9 am