Smart Parenting: Eye Care Tips For Your Children

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In the same manner that adults have regular eye exams, children should have their eyes regularly examined as well. As a rule of thumb, eye examination is a must every two years and if possible every year. For those who have a family history of eye diseases or are taking certain medications that can have a side effect to the eyes, they should have their eyes examined twice every year.

Children should have their first eye examination at the age of just 6 months. Upon reaching the age of 2 or 3 years old, a follow-up exam can be conducted as it is during this age when rapid development of the visual system occurs and corrective vision if necessary is most effective. The earlier some eye related problems are diagnosed, the greater are the chances of a complete and effective recovery.

After the child's initial eye exam, regular eye examination can be conducted every two years and more frequently should your family have any history of eye disorders. You are fully aware that children in school use their eyes frequently to read and to perform other school related activities so it is very much essential that they get to have a regular eye exam. While schools may regularly conduct eye screening tests, such only tackle distance. Vision problems like near vision, focus and eye coordination may not be detected by such screenings as long as you have a 20/20 distance vision. Untreated eye related problems can cause not only headaches and discomfort but possibly cause learning disabilities.

Parents should correct and identify vision problems early on to avoid academic problems in the future. The child's vision problem could probably interfere with their learning ability. Parents should be keen on certain warning signs signaling vision problems such as excessive eye blinking and squinting, regular headaches, dizziness, difficulty with hand and eye coordination and the holding of objects too close when trying to view it. If you notice any of these behaviors or conditions, it is best to immediately pay your eye doctor a visit for consultation.

Also, if your child is very much active in sports, wearing protective eyewear can help prevent eye-related injuries. Some examples of sports where children need to wear protective goggles include baseball, basketball, ice hockey, soccer, football and many more others. Protective goggles should fit comfortably and should be made of proper materials. Make sure that it has 100% UV protection.