Children and their eyesight
If you notice your child squint as they sit very close to the TV, it may be a sign for an eye exam, but did you know some childhood vision problems go completely unnoticed?
The Canadian Association of Optometrists suggests that a child’s first exam occurs at six to nine months of age, a second between age two and five and then annually until age 19.
There are many reasons to have your child’s eyes examined routinely.
Amblyopia or “lazy eye” is a condition that is often caused because of a large, untreated prescription and/or an eye turn. If not caught early, the brain shuts down some or all communication with that eye and the child may have significantly reduced sight in that eye for life.
Once this happens, glasses usually don’t help because it is a problem with the pathway between the eye and the brain. If caught early enough, it can be fairly simple to treat.
Another reason for routine eye exams is that children can’t always tell you that their vision is not clear because it is difficult to explain or because they have nothing to compare it to. This occurs in young children, but adolescents as well.
A common comment when a preteen or teenager gets glasses for the first time is that they can see individual leaves on trees, rather than just a blanket of colour.
Children should have regular eye exams because they learn so much through their eyes.
Imagine trying to learn while being unable to see the board! Also, kids grow fast, and so do their eyes.
From one year to the next, children can go from not needing glasses at all to suddenly needing glasses or to needing a significant prescription change.
Children should also have regular eye exams because if they notice their vision is blurry, they may not complain because they may not want to wear glasses.
With all the trendy styles and fun choices that we have these days, most kids are excited for new glasses, but some are still a bit apprehensive about wearing them.
They often warm up to the idea of wearing glasses, especially when they can see how nice it is to have clear vision, but the first step is getting the eye exam.
If your child needs to wear glasses, your licensed optician or optometrist are knowledgeable and understand the unique considerations of fitting children with eyewear.
Children’s faces are quite different than adults. The size and shape of the bridge of a child’s nose makes finding the perfect frame a bit tricky and some children also tend to be quite small from their face to the back of the ear. Sometimes special frames have to be ordered or your optician will custom cut and fit the temples.
Your licenced eyecare professional will also verify the prescription and measurements. Kids adapt easily and their eyes can quickly accept a different prescription, so it is very important the glasses are checked with the proper equipment and that you get exactly what the optometrist prescribed.
Also, consider updating their glasses regularly. Their prescription can change each year; they quickly outgrow their frames and their measurements!
When it comes to your child’s eyesight, don’t wait for obvious problems.
Book your child for regular eye exams and trust a licensed eyecare professional for your child’s eyewear needs.
TANYA MACPHEE, D.O., C.C.L.F.