Why It’s Important to Get Your Child’s Vision Checked

When it comes to being a busy parent, scheduling an eye exam for your child may not be far up on your to-do list. In fact, only half of U.S. parents take their kids for annual eye exams, many believing that they would notice if something was wrong with their child’s eyesight. But, even though your child may seem to be socializing, playing, and behaving normally, they may be suffering from an undiagnosed vision problem. 

Below, an eye doctor in Tampa discusses why it’s so important to get your child’s eyes checked regularly. When caught early, most eye problems can be treated. However, if left untreated, many of these problems can have a lasting impact on a child’s development. 

Be On the Lookout for Common Eye Problems 

Eye care is important at any age, but children are uniquely vulnerable to eye abnormalities. They are unable to notice problems or voice concerns like adults can. For all they know, their impaired vision is perfectly normal, which is why you need to be on the lookout for signs that something’s off. 

If your child is squinting or moving a little too close to see something, they likely have trouble seeing. Unusual behavior, such as fidgeting or inattentiveness, is only natural when a child can’t make out the figures and shapes around them. This change in behavior may be a sign that your child is struggling with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism — refractive errors that can be easily treated with eyeglasses. However, your child’s eye problem may result from a different eye condition entirely.  

Lazy Eye and Crossed Eyes

Two of the most common eye problems found in children are lazy eye (amblyopia) and crossed eyes (strabismus). Like refractive errors, lazy eye and crossed eyes can be easily treated if found early. An eye specialist in Tampa can use eye patches or eye drops to force the brain to recognize the affected eye and improve vision. In some cases, eyeglasses are all that are needed to improve vision. 

While these two problems can be easily treated following an eye exam, they can result in permanent vision loss if left untreated. Your child could experience blurry vision, double vision, and impaired depth perception at a crucial age where they are learning to use their eyes. They could go on to experience obstacles in school as they struggle to see their classmates and the front of the classroom. 

Promoting Your Child’s Development 

Your child’s development must be your top priority, which is why you must have their eyes checked at an early age. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends having your child’s vision checked at least once between the ages of three and five. However, if you suspect that your child is struggling with vision problems, give us a call at Florida Eye Center. Our caring staff fosters a kid-friendly environment to ensure that your child is all smiles during their eye exam. To schedule an eye exam for your growing child, request an appointment with an eye doctor in Tampa at Florida Eye Center. 

To schedule a consultation with an eye specialist in Tampa at the Florida Eye Center, please request an appointment today.

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