A child’s vision plays a crucial role in their learning, development, and daily activities. In the case of academics, good vision is paramount for a successful academic experience with over 80% of learning being visual. However, many parents are unsure when to schedule an eye exam, what signs to watch for, or how to encourage healthy vision habits at home.
At San Ramon Family Optometry in San Ramon, we specialize in pediatric eye care and are here to answer your most frequently asked questions about children’s vision.
When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months old, followed by another at age three, and again before starting school (around age five or six). After that, children should have annual eye exams to monitor vision changes.
Regular comprehensive eye exams ensure early detection of issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and lazy eye (amblyopia). Early detection gives us and your child the best shot at preserving and enhancing their vision and quality of life.
What Are the Signs My Child May Have Vision Problems?
Parents know that raising children comes with a lot of guesswork because kids often don’t know how they should see or feel. Knowing the signs of vision problems is crucial for keeping track of your young one's ocular health. Parents and teacher should look out for:
- Frequent squinting or tilting the head
- Holding books or screens very close
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Rubbing eyes often or excessive blinking
- Difficulty maintaining focus in school
- Covering one eye while reading or watching TV
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a pediatric eye exam at San Ramon Family Optometry to rule out vision problems that may affect learning and development.
What Can Parents Do to Keep Their Child’s Eyes Healthy?
Encouraging good eye care habits early can promote lifelong vision health. Here are a few practical tips from our eye doctors:
1. Limit Screen Time
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, encourage kids to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
- Set screen time limits and encourage outdoor play to reduce digital eye strain.
2. Encourage a Nutrient-Rich Diet
- Foods high in vitamins A, C, and E, such as carrots, leafy greens, and fish, support healthy vision.
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and flaxseeds help with tear production and prevent dry eyes.
3. Protect Their Eyes Outdoors
- Have kids wear UV-blocking sunglasses and hats when outside to prevent sun damage.
- Encourage eye protection during sports to reduce the risk of injury.
4. Make Eye Care Fun for Kids
- Read books about vision and eye health together.
- Play hand-eye coordination games like puzzles, ball-catching, or drawing activities.
- Show them how to care for their glasses if they wear them.
When Should I Take My Child to an Eye Doctor?
Apart from regular checkups, schedule an appointment if your child:
- Has frequent headaches after reading or doing close-up work
- Complains of blurry vision at any distance
- Avoids reading or struggles with learning
- Has an eye that turns in or out (strabismus)
- Has eye infections, redness, or excessive tearing
The earlier vision issues are detected, the easier they are to correct with glasses, vision therapy, or other treatments available at San Ramon Family Optometry in San Ramon.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today
Good vision is key to academic success and daily activities. If it has been more than a year since your child’s last eye exam, or if you have concerns about their vision, request an appointment at San Ramon Family Optometry in San Ramon today.