Does Your Child Need an Eye Exam?

Children bring new energy and fresh perspectives to the lives of everyone around them. Their vibrance and excitement come from how they experience the world around them. They are always eager to share everything they learn and their new experiences. Most of what they learn is through observation. Because of this, eyesight is vital to a child's development. 

Experts estimate that 80 percent of all your child's learning is through their sight. Thus, keeping their eyes working properly is synonymous with giving them a future. This is why eye exams are a critical part of eye care for children. Other than regular eye exams, there may be additional circumstances that can make an eye exam necessary.

Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important for Your Child?

As mentioned, regular eye exams are the bread and butter of eye care for children. One of the reasons that make regular eye exams crucial is that a child's eyes develop fast while they are young. 

Contrary to myth, humans are not born with eyes fully grown. From birth, the visual system of a child is constantly growing. The growth continues until they are about 18, and vision stabilizes only then. 

Vision Issues

During this period of growth and development, many vision issues will often sneak in. Regular eye exams help ensure that the eye doctor identifies them early on. Early detection means better and more effective management. 

Some conditions like amblyopia and strabismus can be entirely corrected. Others, like myopia, can be slowed, preventing more severe conditions from developing later in life.  

Signs Your Child Needs an Eye Exam

Sometimes, you may keep a regular schedule, like an exam every two years. But in the two-year break, you have noticed some weird behaviors that indicate a vision issue. If you suspect something is off, the chances are high that something is. It would be best if you took your child to the eye doctor.

If you need help with what to look for, here are some common signs that your child needs an eye exam. 

• Squinting

One of the most natural responses to having poor eyesight is squinting. Two main vision issues can lead to squinting: myopia and astigmatism. If any of these is the issue, you may notice your child squinting to see something that is not too far off. 

• Frequent Headaches

Another symptom common with vision issues is headaches. These are symptoms of multiple vision issues like hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, BVD, and others. The headaches occur due to overexertion of the visual system muscles and eyestrain.

• Excessive Eye Rubbing

Another common symptom is excessive eye rubbing. Eye rubbing occasionally can show tiredness, but eye rubbing when performing near vision work may be a sign of a visual problem. It is more common in children who do not understand visual problems and cannot communicate about them.

For more on whether your child needs an eye exam, call Blue Hills Eye Associates at  (781) 794-2200 to reach our office in Braintree, Massachusetts.