Optimal vision is an essential part of the learning process for children. When a child has poor vision, they may express it in different ways, or it can be confused with learning delays. Poor vision can cause many problems for school-aged children, which is why it’s so important to stay on top of your child’s eye health and understand what you can do to protect it.
Read on to learn important facts about eye exams, the most significant signs that your child may need prescription glasses, and how to get prescription eyewear.
How Often Should Your Child Visit an Eye Doctor?
Like many other parents, you might think that the vision screening your child’s pediatrician conducts as part of their annual physical is enough to test your child’s vision. However, a thorough eye exam performed by an eye doctor is much different. A comprehensive eye exam will check the sharpness and clarity of your child’s vision, assess their visual acuity, and check for vision problems like:
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Depth perception
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Eye alignment
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Strabismus (crossed eyes)
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The overall health of the outside and inside of the eye
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Indications of more serious conditions
A child’s first eye exam should happen around six months of age, then annually or a second visit by age 2-3 years. After that, they should have another eye exam before they start school.
“My son has eye alignment problems. It’s the main reason children get glasses. Zachias is using Roshambo baby glasses to help treat his strabismus in conjunction with eye patches. We noticed he is able to keep his eyes straighter, focus on objects easier, and grab items with less strain.” - Jenny & David
4 Signs Your Child May Need Prescription Glasses
Even if your child has never seen an eye doctor, certain signs can alert you to the fact that they may need prescription glasses. If you notice any of the following symptoms in your child, schedule a visit with an eye doctor because it might be time to get them some glasses.
1. Squinting, covering one eye, or tilting the head
While squinting can indicate a refractive error, which makes it difficult for your child’s eyes to focus, head tilting or covering one eye can indicate amblyopia or “lazy eye.”
2. Rubbing the eyes or complaining of eye pain and headaches
Rubbing the eyes or complaining of headaches and eye pain could be symptoms of eye fatigue, eye strain, overexertion of the eyes, or allergic conjunctivitis.
3. Getting too close to the TV, handheld devices, or reading material
Sitting too close to things a child is trying to watch or read are signs of poor vision, myopia, or nearsightedness.
4. Having trouble concentrating on schoolwork
If your child is having difficulty concentrating on their schoolwork, don’t be too quick to chalk it up to attention deficit disorder. They may simply be having trouble with their vision.
What to Consider When Getting Prescription Glasses for a Child
If your child’s doctor has deemed it necessary for them to get prescription eyeglasses, there are a handful of essential factors to consider to make sure you choose glasses that are safe and comfortable. For glasses to be effective, your child must like wearing them. Fortunately, there are thousands of affordable prescription glasses online to choose from – just keep the following tips in mind as you’re shopping.
Let Your Child Choose
Giving your child options is the best way to ensure they’ll want to wear their glasses. Look for glasses that are colorful, or better yet where the frames can be swapped to match their outfit!
Keep Them Safe
Kids are tough on their stuff, so look for lenses made of polycarbonate to keep them safe.
Look at the Features
Features like photochromic and scratch-resistant lenses, spring hinges, and flexible frames are all features that will increase the comfort and quality of your child’s glasses.
