IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN’S EYE EXAMS
Vision and Learning:
Did you know?
• 80% of learning is visual
• 1 in 4 school-aged children has a vision problem
• An eye exam detects health problems such as crossed eyes, lazy eye and many eye diseases
• Many vision problems are difficult to detect without an eye exam
• Children with vision problems are often misdiagnosed as having learning or behavioral disabilities
• The earlier an eye health or visual problem is identified, the more likely it can be corrected
What your Doctor of Optometry is looking for:
• Visual acuity
• Lazy eye, crossed eyes
• Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism
• Eye coordination, tracking and depth perception
• Colour vision
• Eye health
• Review of family history, overall health and lifestyle
A comprehensive eye exam does more than determine if a child sees well – it is also a vital part of their overall health.
A comprehensive eye exam can help identify serious eye conditions at an early age, so that they can be properly managed and corrected. Our Doctors of Optometry can see children as early as 6 months old for their first comprehensive eye exam.
What to watch for:
A child who is having vision or eye health problems will likely experience one or more of these symptoms:
At School:
• Struggles with reading, writing or learning
• Performs below ability level
• Loses place while reading or uses finger/marker to guide eyes
• Places head close to books or desk while reading or writing
At Home:
• Has a short attention span for age
• Dislikes or avoids close or detailed work (LEGO, drawing, etc.)
• Has poor eye-hand coordination
Physical indicators:
• Has eyes that cross, turn in or out, or move independently of each other
• Turns or tilts head to use only one eye; covers or closes one eye
• Blinks or rubs eyes excessively
• Suffers from headaches, nausea, dizziness
• Complains of burning, itching or blurry eyes
• Has double vision
If your child displays any of these indicators, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a Doctor of Optometry.
– Janelle Allan, Front Desk Customer Care Associate / Public Relations