Most children are given a basic vision screening by their pediatrician every year, and often by the school nurse as well. This is an important part of your child’s overall health. But is it enough? Vision screenings at the pediatrician’s office only check for acuity – distance. In other words. They are checking to make sure your child can see clearly at a distance (usually 20 feet away). Your pediatrician will refer your child to an optometrist if he is unable to clearly read the eye chart, and will probably need glasses.
Your red, swollen, itchy eyes may also be a significant sign of allergies that can come whether you are sneezing uncontrollably or not.
But there is much more to children’s eye health besides their ability to read an eye chart. Your optometrist will examine inside your child’s eyes for early signs of eye disease or infection. A comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist will check:
- Binocular vision: how the eyes work together as a team
- Focusing
- Peripheral Vision
- Color Vision
- Hand-eye Coordination
- Tracking
Additionally, your eye doctor will check for:
- Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
- Pediatric Cataracts
- Double Vision
- Pediatric Glaucoma
- Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
- Strabismus ( Misaligned eyes)
Along with a host of other eye-related conditions
Proper vision is a crucial part of your child’s development and education. The best way to make sure your child has healthy eyesight is with an annual eye exam at the optometrist’s office.
Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. Michael Vaske
Q: What does it mean to have 20/20 vision?
- A: When we say that someone has 20/20 visual acuity, we mean that he or she could read a letter standing 20 feet away that most people with healthy eyes should be able to read standing 20 feet away. It is a standard set in our industry to indicate “normal” vision. Some people could actually see better than 20/20 visual acuity, so it is not accurate to state that 20/20 visual acuity is “perfect” vision. Also, visual acuity is not the only aspect of a person’s overall vision. For instance, you also have to consider one’s color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and contrast sensitivity.
Q: From what age should a parent be bringing in their children for an eye exam?
- A: like to see children for a comprehensive eye examination around age 4 or 5. Children should have a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist before starting kindergarten in order to identify any problems that could affect reading and/or the child’s ability to learn.
Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses In Parker, Colorado. Visit Vaske Vision Care for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.