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Pediatric Eye Exams: When To Schedule Your Child’s First Visit With An Eye Doctor In Tampa

In a 2019 survey, 25.3% of children between the ages of 3 and 7 wore some form of corrective lenses. This number within the next few years is expected to increase due to children’s frequent use of digital screens. Vision problems in children have been known to affect their learning capabilities and even their quality of life. That is why it is important to schedule yearly eye exams for children. 

Florida Eye Center is home to some of the best pediatric eye doctors in Tampa, with a team of professionals whose experience spans decades and the latest technological advances at their disposal, Florida Eye Center has managed to distinguish itself from the competition.

 

The American Optometric Association Recommendation

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children should have their first eye exam around their 6-month milestone due to the fact that their bodies are rapidly developing and changing at this age. During this initial eye exam, the optometrist will evaluate your child and look for any signs of eye diseases or conditions that could affect their vision.

After the initial exam, eye doctors typically recommend that the child returns at age 3 for a follow-up exam. This visit is quite similar to the first one, with the doctor conducting several tests to detect any underlying issues. However, the main difference is that during this exam, the doctor will also be able to evaluate if any vision problems are impacting the child’s development, particularly their ability to learn.

 

Common Symptoms Children Experience

While children may have a hard time expressing that they are having difficulties with their eyesight, parents should monitor for symptoms that their child may have. Parents need to be aware of common symptoms children exhibit when they are experiencing vision problems.

Squinting

One of the biggest signs that a child may need glasses is constantly squinting at objects. Squinting has been known to cause headaches and even eye strain which can negatively impact your child’s life.

Tilting Their Heads

One lesser-known sign to look out for in children is constant head tilting, which could indicate that they are trying to improve their vision. By tilting their head, your child is attempting to better focus and comprehend what they are seeing.

Difficulty Learning

Children with poor eyesight often have a hard time learning. This is because they are not able to focus on an object, which often leads to frustration during school and learning processes. 

 

Scheduling your child’s first eye exam is incredibly important. Vision problems, if left undetected and untreated, can lead to a variety of problems. It is critical that parents monitor possible symptoms of eyesight problems and regularly schedule pediatric eye exams. 

If you believe your child is experiencing vision problems, schedule an appointment or call (813) 972-4444, and discover why Florida Eye Center is home to some of the best pediatric eye care.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Florida Eye Center website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by the medical professionals at Florida Eye Center or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Florida Eye Center. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Florida Eye Center is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.

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