Kids — like adults — experience vision changes as they get older. A child who didn’t need glasses last year may need glasses this year. And even children with 20/20 vision can have poor visual skills that prevent them from excelling in school and sports.
During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will assess your child’s vision and check for eye diseases and underlying vision problems.
Why Are Children’s Eye Exams Important?
Every child should have eye exams to ensure that their eyes are healthy and that they don’t have any vision problems that could jeopardize their safety or academic performance. There are several visual skills that are essential for effective learning, including accurate eye movement and relaxed focusing.
When Should Your Child's Eyes Be Examined?
Your child’s first eye exam should be when they are six months old. The eye doctor will then let you know when the next eye exam is required. Annual eye exams are generally recommended until the child starts school. At the very minimum, their next eye exam should be at age three, and right before they enter first grade.
As long as no vision correction is needed, children should have an eye exam every one to two years once they reach school age. Children who have a family history of eye problems or who need glasses or contact lenses should see an eye doctor at least once a year, or possibly more often, as instructed by their eye doctor.
Signs of Eye Problems
The following warning signs may indicate an eye problem:
- Excessively rubbing their eyes
- Excessively watery eyes
- Holding books or objects close to their face or sitting very close to the TV
- Clumsiness and poor hand-eye coordination
- Complaining about double or blurred vision
- Having unexplained headaches
- Closing one eye when they watch TV or read
- Closing one eye when they go out in bright sunlight
- Avoiding reading, writing or drawing
If you’re worried your child may have a vision problem, or it’s time for their regular eye exam, schedule an appointment with Cove Eyecare in Copperas Cove. The earlier any eye problems are detected, the sooner they can be treated.
At Cove Eyecare, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 254-549-1142 or book an appointment online to see one of our Copperas Cove eye doctors.
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