Why Eye Exams Are Important For Children

A good eye care routine is one of the most important factors in establishing healthy lifelong habits in children to ensure visual health. Because of sports and other playful activities, children are especially prone to various eye infections and accidents, as well as environmental pollutants that can cause irritation. An estimated 5 – 10 percent of preschoolers and approximately 25 percent of school-age children have vision problems.

At Beverly Hills Medical Center of Kuwait, expert ophthalmologist Dr. Ghassan Zein recommends that the start of a new school year is an excellent time for children to undergo a routine eye exam. In addition to measuring visual acuity, an eye exam is very useful for monitoring any potential changes in vision from previous examinations.

In cases where children do have a vision problem, getting treatment as early as possible is very important, as children tend to be more responsive to treatment in earlier stages.

When To Schedule An Eye Exam For Your Child

Ophthalmology experts typically recommend that children receive their first comprehensive eye exam at six months old. The next exam should be at the age of three, followed by another exam just before the child enters the first grade at age five or six. Thereafter, school-aged children with no vision problems should generally have an eye exam every two years. Children who require glasses or contact lenses should have an annual eye exam as recommended by their ophthalmologist.

Parents should also monitor and report any problems or concerns to their doctor should they notice any signs or symptoms that their child might be experiencing trouble with their vision.

Childhood Education And Eyesight

As children enter school and begin to learn to read and write, their visual acuity plays a critical role in their ability to focus and understand what they’re learning. Many times children are misdiagnosed with learning disabilities when they might actually be nearsighted and struggle to see the board, or simply need a pair of reading glasses.

The following factors related to healthy eyesight and vision also play an important part in early childhood development and education:

• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Eye coordination
• Eye movement skills
• Peripheral awareness
• Hand-eye coordination

Children without suspected eye conditions or visual problems are generally first evaluated by their pediatrician for the first eye exam and are referred to an optometrist or ophthalmologist if a problem is discovered. Some symptoms to look for and to report to the doctor for the child’s case history include:

• History of prematurity
• Delayed motor development
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Excessive blinking
• Limited eye contact
• Inability to fixate (maintain a prolonged gaze) while looking at objects
• Poor eye tracking skills

Diagnosing and getting treatment as early as possible for any vision problems is essential for children’s development and academic performance.

Contact Expert Ophthalmologists at Beverly Hills Kuwait!

Contact an expert ophthalmologist at Beverly Hills Medical Center Kuwait today! Call+(965)-222-89999 or schedule an appointment online.

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