Learning is essential to a child’s success and having the right tools gives them the best advantage. While you might be looking for the school supplies and backpacks, it’s important to consider another issue, sight. Back to school eye exams are one of those things that should go hand in hand with the basics.
It’s easy to think your kid isn’t old enough to begin eye exams, but don’t let age fool you. In fact, regular eye exams are usually recommended for newborns and that routine should be in place long before the first school bell ever rings.
Changes in the eye as well as possible issues can occur at any age, even childhood. For some problems, catching it early may mean the difference between getting something under control or permanent vision problems.
What Type Of Eye Problems Are Common In Children?
While there may be a range of hard to pronounce and rare conditions out there, some common conditions are more likely to show up in childhood. These special issues may not be easy to treat, but they are easy to control and, in most cases, glasses can correct it.
Astigmatism: A curved cornea is the blame for this condition which blurs sight in the eye. It may or may not be seen with other conditions, but an astigmatism by itself is still cause for prescription correction. While there are correcting contact lenses, a child’s age might preclude them from getting that sort of treatment. Instead, glasses may be put to use.
Nearsightedness(Myopia): When someone can see what’s close without help, but has trouble seeing far ahead, the issue is likely myopia. You child will really need to pay attention to this since it effects viewing blackboards or overhead projectors. Correction for myopia is usually prescription glasses.
Farsightedness(Hyperopia): The opposite of myopia, farsightedness is the term for seeing things far away clearly, while having trouble viewing anything nearby. It can be especially bad when trying to read a book or focus on what’s just a few steps ahead.
Genetic Diseases: Eye diseases come from several places, but genetic conditions make up a surprising amount of them. It’s not easy to spot these conditions yet with the proper diagnostic devices and trained professionals, they can be found. They cover a range of issues; one that is suprisingly more common that you’d imagine is corneal scarring or tearing. It can cause changes in light perception as well as other problems if left undiagnosed.
Glaucoma and Cataracts: You have probably heard of this in terms of elderly people in your life, yet both are far from just a problem for one age group. While it may seem scary, don’t let this become a concern. With proper diagnosis and treatment, a child can overcome one or both of these conditions.
How Does A Child Benefit From Eye Exams?
More than just overall visual health, there are some keys places that 20/20 vision really pays off. The most commonly used example, and the most true, is the overhead projector and blackboard. If a child can’t see the information clearly, they can’t take notes and the information is harder to understand.
Poor eyesight can also effect the activities that they participate in and try out for. Many sports require specific physical requirements, including corrected or excellent eyesight. Without that, it’s hard for a child to safely participate. Not just on the field, kids can also experience difficulty with indoor activities like chess clubs and literary magazines that need a keen eye for details.
How Often Should You Do Back To School Kids Eye Exam?
This might seem like a ridiculous question, but skipping just one scheduled exam can miss the conditions or issues that might be a problem now as well as later. There are some standard guidelines set by The American Optomeric Association that include an exam around age 6 and regular checkups until age 18. While the guidelines indicate every two years, it’s only a minimum recommendation with yearly eye exams exams a safer choice to catch any possible conditions.
Many current prescriptions usually run out within a year of being written. Depending on the state, they may go up to two yearts. For that reason, you child should definitely be scheduled for yearly exams if they wear glasses. As a bonus, many lenses can be exchanged in frames, so costs don’t run up. As always, be sure to ask questions to make sure they get the best fit for the new lenses. In some cases, new frames may be needed to better accomodate the current prescription.
If your child does have a previously diagnosed condition, it’s really helps if they can get on a regular exam schedule. Using the back to school theme to set up exams eases children into a comfortable pattern that doesn’t highlight their possible issues. Instead, it feels as natural as going back to school.
What Happens During An Exam?
Sometimes demystifying an exam shows not only why it’s important, but how there is nothing to fear from the visit. Whether this is your child’s first visit or they are a pro at doctor visits, check out the steps of an exam to see how easy it will be.
Start out with the receptionist. He or she will make sure that all of the child’s records are updated and include any insurance or medical information. Be sure to bring along any cards or id cards that might be necessary for this. After a brief check-in, there may be a wait for the first steps in the exam. Take this time to keep them calm, but avoid letting them play with mobile games or use a smartphone to avoid any eye strain.
They’ll be called in, along with yourself, into a diagnostic area that tests eye alignment through a special machine. After that test, they will also be tested for glaucoma. Both tests are completely painless and only take a few seconds to complete. During this time, a colorblindness test might also be administered; it doesn’t even require a device.
Next, it’s off to the meet the doctor. You and your child will be put in an exam room full of all the usual optometry gear. You can sit in the chair on the side of the room, while your kid gets the crucial seat in the exam chair.
The doctor will examing the pupils using a light. Of course, the eye chart will come into play at this point. A phoropter is necessary if your kid needs a prescription. After that, you and your child should be ready to go.
What Happens If Your Child Needs A Prescription Adjustment Or Additional Help After The Exam?
Your child might be scheduled for a follow up depending on what is found during the exam. If that happens, the doctor and their team will let you know what to bring. Otherwise, the exam should last until the next school year begins. If the child does encounter an issue, it’s best to see the doctor as soon as possible. When calling the office, let them know the problem and why you need an appointment immediately. There is usually time in every schedule to fit in an emergency or prescription change based on variety of factors.
Make sure your kid provides an accurate description of the issue or what might be the problem. Sometimes, they might not know the answer or how to communicate it to others. In those cases, reach out to a teacher or watch them in action to determine what could be the symptoms and issues.
Eye exams can always make a difference, but their importance only grows when it comes to children. Starting the school year off with a kids eye exam gives each child a valuable learning tool. Make time every year for these exams and the benefits will always pay off. Contact Mt. View EyeCare for an appointment today!