It’s important to have your child’s eyes examined regularly. A comprehensive eye exam can detect vision problems, assess your child’s risks for certain eye diseases, and ensure that their eyes are healthy, in most cases, issues are reversible if caught early. One in five school-aged children will experience a vision problem so it is important to visit an optometrist regularly. Vision correction can even be achieved with minimal interventions.
Just like adults, kids need to have their eyes checked on a regular basis. In fact, children are more susceptible to vision problems because their eyes are still developing. Kids go through vision changes as they grow. That’s why it’s so important to book your child an eye examination. How often you should test your kids’ eyes will depend on their age and risk factors.
There is a comprehensive eye exam that most children will have at around six months. If no issues are identified at this age, then the next eye examination should be around age 3 and again at the age of 6.
If any issues are identified, the number of eye exams may increase, and your child may need a specialist consult.
So, if your child hasn’t had an eye exam in a while, now is the time to schedule one. Eye exams are an important part of maintaining your child’s health, so be sure to schedule an eye exam based on your optometrist’s recommendation. With regular eye exams and the right glasses, you can help your child see the world more clearly.
The eye exam for kids is non-invasive, using mostly images and lights. Vision screening tests assess the eyes in a number of ways.
They have their pupils tested to make sure they respond to light. Check if their eyes are aligned properly, and check how their eyes move with a fix and follow test, where they watch an image on a screen. The eye doctor will look for refractive errors using a focus test, this is the most common eye issue that kids encounter.
They will also be tested for their preferential looking by using flash cards to really see what their vision can do.
There are a few ways to know if there could be an issue with your child’s eyesight.
If your child is constantly rubbing their eyes or holding objects close to their face or squinting, this could be a sign that they are struggling to see with distance vision or have blurry vision.
If your child’s eyes seem to be crossing or wandering (also known as a lazy eye) this could indicate that they are having difficulty seeing.
Some eye problems can be hereditary so knowing your family history can be helpful when seeing the eye doctor.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your child to a paediatrician or optometrist so that they can be evaluated. It is essential to catch any vision problems early on so that they can be treated properly.
There are a number of common eye problems that can affect children that would need to be identified by an optometrist.
Refractive error is when the eye doesn’t focus light in the right way which is due to the eye being too long or too short.
One other common vision problem in children is amblyopia, which is also known as lazy eye. This occurs when one eye is weaker than the other, and it can cause the child to have difficulty seeing things clearly.
This is when the eyes are not aligned properly and is another issue children encounter and can lead to double vision or blurriness.
We live in a digital world, and that means our children are spending more time than ever looking at screens—whether it’s phones, tablets, computers, or TV screens.
Studies have shown that blue light produced by digital screens does not damage the eye, adults and kids can experience digital eye strain if they are exposed to screens for an extended period of time without a break.
This can cause some irritation, dryness and blurred vision, so if you can see your child squinting, losing interest in objects that are at a distance or holding objects close to be able to see, a blue light filter can be added to the majority of glasses to reduce this eye strain.
Picking the perfect pair of kids glasses is important, as they will be wearing them every day.
There are a few things to keep in mind when picking kids glasses.
First, you want to make sure they are comfortable. Then, make sure to pick a pair that they feel confident in. Children grow quickly and they will probably need a new pair of glasses every two to three years.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the perfect pair of kids glasses!
For more tips on How to select the best frames for your face | EyeQ Optometrists
If your child does need prescription eyewear, there are a few different options available. First, you’ll need to decide whether glasses or contact lenses are right for your child.
As kids eyes are changing as they grow, the prescription may change as well, so having routine eye checks and looking out for any changes in vision will help to continue supporting your child’s eye needs.
Glasses are generally a good choice for younger children because they’re easy to care for and less likely to get lost. Contact lenses may be a better option for older kids who are more responsible and can be trusted to take care of them properly.
We have a wide range of Prescription Lens Options – EyeQ Optometrists
There are also different types of lenses available, such as standard single-vision lenses or bifocal lenses. Single-vision lenses correct for either nearsightedness or farsightedness, while bifocal lenses can correct for both conditions.
If your child has astigmatism, there are special lenses called toric lenses that can correct this condition. As children are so active, a shatterproof plastic called polycarbonate lenses may be a good option.
There are a few things to consider when choosing the first pair of frames for your child such as style, function and durability. For example, if your child is active, you’ll want to make sure that their frames can withstand rough play.
Protect eyes by requesting a UV filter on the lens. You’ll also want to think about the size and shape of the frames in relation to your child’s face. It’s important to choose a frame that is a good snug fit, whilst being comfortable and stylish. You may also want to choose something that matches your child’s unique personality.
There is a wide range of bright colours, patterns and styles that kids love and will want to wear.
Check out our prescription kids glasses Prescription Lens Options – EyeQ Optometrists
Parents of kids who wear glasses know that taking care of them can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you keep your child’s glasses clean and in good condition.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your child’s glasses are always clean and in good condition.
With so many choices available, it can be hard to pick the perfect pair of kids glasses.
Our optical dispensers are experts in helping you find the right frames and lenses for your child’s individual needs. We can also help you with any questions you have about taking care of your kid’s glasses.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how to choose the right glasses for your child.
Our contact lens provider Alcon is experiencing delays fulfilling orders due to a cyber-security incident involving their freight partner, Toll Group. These delays are across their entire network of optical retailers in Australia. We apologise for an inconvenience caused and encourage you to contact your local EyeQ practice for any urgent requirements.
