It's easy to overlook vision as a major factor in our children's overall health and well-being, but it is an essential part of their development. Unfortunately, 85 percent of America’s preschoolers don’t receive their first eye exam until age five. Studies also found that five to 10 percent of preschoolers and 25 percent of school-aged children have vision problems. Early detection, even when symptoms are not apparent, will improve your child’s quality of life. Let's dive into the importance of early detection and what it can do for your child.
What kind of problems can be detected?
Vision issues can range from mild to severe and can further complicate existing conditions like autism or ADHD, making them more difficult to diagnose and treat. Common vision problems include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye). If left untreated, these problems could lead to headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating in school, poor academic performance, behavioral issues and more. That’s why the American Optometric Association recommends that infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at the age of six months—so that any potential issues can be identified as soon as possible.
What are the benefits?
Early detection is key! With early diagnosis and treatment comes improved outcomes for children with vision problems. Not only can early detection prevent further damage or deterioration in vision, but it will also allow your child to fully enjoy activities like reading books or playing sports without any strain on their eyesight. Early diagnosis also allows you to take steps to correct any vision issues before they start affecting your child’s ability to learn and grow properly. This is especially important if your child has a developmental condition such as autism or ADHD since they may not be able to communicate any discomfort they feel from having poor vision.
Overall, early detection is key when it comes to ensuring that all aspects of your child's life run smoothly– both physically and academically–and it starts with regular eye exams from infancy onward! Studies show that 5-10% of preschoolers suffer from some form of vision impairment; luckily many common vision problems are easily treatable with glasses or contact lenses if caught early enough. So don't delay; make sure your child receives regular eye examinations from an optometrist! It will benefit them now throughout their childhood years and beyond!
Give them the gift of clear vision and healthy eyes, schedule an appointment with Lentz Eye Care.