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While most parents recognize the value of routine dental care, they often underestimate the importance of testing their child’s eyes. Did you know that 80% of all learning is through the visual system, and decreased vision can significantly affect educational success, athletic ability and even social interaction? Studies find that 1 in 4 children, ages 5 to 12, have an undiagnosed vision problem. These children are sometimes mislabeled as “slow learners” or even “disruptive,” when it is simply because the child can’t see clearly, AND the parent nor the child realizes it. Countless children are receiving poor grades simply because they cannot see the blackboard; causing them to lose a desire to learn, and even stunting their social skills.

ABC’s of Eye Problems in Children

What symptoms do you need to look for in your child’s eyes? Remember the ABC’s.

A – Appearance: Check out the appearance of your child’s eyes. Are the eyes swollen, crusty or red eyelids, do the eyes line up or is one eye turned in or out or do the eyes water?

B – Behavior: Does your child rub his/her eyes a lot? Is there squinting, tilting of the head or excessive blinking?

C- Complaints: Listen to your child. Often they will complain that they can’t see things you can see, or that they can’t see the board. They might tell you that it is hard to read.

All these things can be symptoms that it is time for an eye exam. Call 1-866-865-2020 today to make an appointment  for a comprehensive eye exam.

The following are the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommendation for your child’s eyes and getting an exam:

-Infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age, then again at age 3 and 5.
-Children that don’t wear glasses should have a comprehensive eye exam every 2 years.
-Children who wear glasses or contact lenses should be examined annually.

Even if your child doesn’t complain about not seeing well, you should not assume that there are no visual disorders. How could your child know how they should be seeing.