Importance of Routine Pediatric Eye Exams

Many people do not think they need a comprehensive eye examination if their vision is clear. This is according to a recent survey by the American Optometric Association. However, a comprehensive eye exam is an important part of a person’s overall health maintenance. This applies to routine eye examinations for kids, as well.

 

In addition to determining whether a patient needs lenses or glasses, a comprehensive eye exam is helpful in other ways. It can help your eye doctor evaluate all aspects of your eye health, which can give him/her a clearer assessment of your overall health. Essentially, this type of eye examination goes beyond the goal of good vision.

 

Routine Eye Exams for Kids

A pediatric eye exam is an expert assessment of a kid’s vision and eye health. A brief eye examination by a family practice doctor or pediatrician is not enough. Only pediatric ophthalmologists and pediatric optometrists have the required clinical tools and training to perform a comprehensive eye examination on a child’s vision and eyes.

 

Why Routine Pediatric Eye Examinations Are Important

There are many stories about kids who struggle in school until they get their first pair of glasses. It is a fact that kids with vision problems tend to struggle academically, socially, and in extra-curricular activities, as well. By ensuring that your child has healthy vision and eyes, you will be helping him/her reach his or her highest potential.

 

Routine pediatric eye exams, according to the American Optometric Association, should start at six months of age. Kids without vision problems should have eye examinations every two years. Those at high risk or with vision problems should have them more often. Making routine pediatric eye exams a priority is one of the best investments you can make in your child’s overall health and education.

 

Many schools usually offer basic vision screenings for kids. Such screenings, however, tend to foster a false sense of confidence and security. This is because they can miss serious eye and health conditions. A comprehensive eye examination is the best way to properly identify and treat eye and vision problems.

 

Risk Factors for Vision and Eye Problems in Kids

• Physical illness and disease.

• History of low birth weight or premature birth.

• High reflective error.

• A mother’s infection while pregnant, such as herpes, venereal disease, and rubella.

• A family history of eye disease.

• Crossed or turned eyes.

• Developmental delays.
  
   

Early eye and vision examinations are important because kids need various visual skills for optimal learning. Some of these skills include accurate eye movement, comfortable and accurate eye teaming, and good visual acuity at all distances.

 

Optometrists can detect over 270 serious health problems through a comprehensive eye examination. Such conditions include cancers, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and high blood pressure. Therefore, early detection of eye and vision problems is important.

 

Many vision problems do not show obvious symptoms or signs. A comprehensive eye exam from an eye doctor is the only way to get the all-clear. The sooner an eye doctor identifies and addresses your child’s eye problems, the better will be his or her outcome in childhood and beyond.

 

To learn more about the importance of routine pediatric eye exams, contact Atlanta Eye Group in Atlanta and Kennesaw, GA at (770) 727-0772.