Importance of Children’s Yearly Eye Exams

Your child’s vision is their primary window into the world around them. Most children have a hard time letting parents know they are having trouble seeing. This is due to them not knowing things are blurry! For them, this is how their vision has always been. There is no frame of reference that vision could be better. Below you will find some indicators to look out for in children who may be struggling to see.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition that affects people of all ages as well. Myopia is when objects that are far away appear blurry, but objects near are clear. Myopia is now classified as an epidemic, and by 2050 nearly half of the world’s population will be myopic. Myopia usually begins to develop in childhood when the eyeball grows rapidly and progresses as a child ages. Myopia progression can lead to serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. All these conditions may lead to permanent vision loss. This is another reason it is imperative to find these prescriptions at a young age and correct them with glasses or contacts.

Signs that your child may need myopia correction:

• Blurred vision at distance
• Squinting when looking far away, such as the board at school or the TV at home
• Needing to sit at the front of the classroom to see clearly
• Holding objects closely

Parents can help slow myopia progression by encouraging their children to spend at least 60 minutes a day outside. Another way to slow progression is limiting screen time. Teach your children the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If a child’s myopic progression continues, there are other ways an Optometrist can help slow the progression.

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Hyperopia is when near objects appear blurry, while objects far away appear clear. Hyperopia can be missed in children because children are excellent at over focusing their eyes to compensate for this type of prescription. High amounts of hyperopia must be corrected when a child is young to ensure they can see well for the rest of their lives. Hyperopia can be corrected with glasses or contacts.

Below are some signs to watch out for that indicate your child may need hyperopia correction:

• Holding reading materials at arm’s length
• Difficulties with reading, learning or paying attention during school
• Squinting at objects to keep them clear, especially up close
• Headaches or eye fatigue after up close activities

Every comprehensive eye exam also includes checking the health of the eye. Optometrists will check eye muscles, eye pressures, and the child’s field of vision. Other common complaints with children can include dry or itchy eyes, which is evaluated by looking at the front surface of the eye. Looking at the back of the eye, the retina, can rule out eye-related diseases that may be making your children’s vision blurry. A comprehensive eye exam is important to ensure children can absorb and process all the information around them during a time of instrumental growth. Just because a child says they can see does not always mean they can see properly. Scheduling their yearly eye exams will give you peace of mind and lead to a better future for them.