Dr. Burke, an optometrist in Grove, Oklahoma, answers the question: “When should my child have an eye exam?”
Below is the transcript of his response:
Dr. Burke, When Should My Child Have an Eye Exam?
[Disclaimer: AskGrovesEyeDoctor.com is an information resource only, and it is not a substitute for face to face consultations with your doctor.]
Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers in life: academically, socially, and athletically. The presence of eye and vision problems in infants are rare. Most babies began life with healthy eyes, but occasionally eye health and vision problems can develop. Parents need to look for certain signs that may be indications of eye and vision problems. Even if no eye or vision problems are apparent, the American Optometric Association recommends a babies’ first thorough eye examination by about six months of age. According to the American Public Health Association about 10% of preschoolers have eye or vision problems.
“According to the American Public Health Association about 10% of preschoolers have eye or vision problems.”
What are Some Signs to Watch For?
Parents should watch for signs that may indicate a vision problem including: sitting too close to TVs or holding a book too close, squinting, titling their heads, frequently rubbing their eyes, a short attention span for a child’s age, an eye turn, light sensitivity, or difficulty with hand, eye or body coordination.
Are Vision Screenings The Same As Eye Exams?
Nearly all tasks a child is asked to perform in the classroom, 75 to 90% depend on good visual skills. It is important to know that a vision screening is not the same as an eye examination by an eye doctor and may miss as many as 60% of children with vision problems.
“A vision screening…may miss as many as 60% of children with vision problems.”
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