August is Time to Look at Children’s Eye Health and Safety

When most of us were children, Labor Day marked the end of summer. Not anymore. Many children in America are returning to school in the next couple of weeks. This perfectly coincides with National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. We are proud to serve families of the Winchester area with full-service eye exams for the whole family. So, while you are busy filling backpacks with pencils and paper, we also encourage you to pencil in your child’s eye exam with us.
It is necessary for children to see clearly to do well in school. Studies show that, when a child cannot clearly see her books, she may develop an aversion to reading. The student who cannot see what his teacher writes on the whiteboard is a student who is missing the full extent of information needed for learning. Maintaining children’s vision and eye health is one of many ways parents can support academic success.
What your Eye Doctor can Find
Routine eye exams performed by an ophthalmologist observe vision as well as the structure of the eye. Children may not require dilated eye exams unless an abnormality is discovered. Even if a dilated eye exam were necessary, the process revolves around a child’s comfort. If you’ve ever had your eyes dilated you know this does not hurt but it can make your eyes sensitive to light for a short time. Steps can be taken to minimize this effect.
Even without dilation, your child’s eye doctor can assess the eyes’ ability to perceive color (color blindness). Eye muscle instability, or strabismus, can also be detected. Strabismus may lead to wandering or crossed eyes. Other conditions that may be identified in children include lazy eye and drooping eyelid.
Don’t Wait for Obvious Signs
Children give us apparent signs that their vision is not what it could be. For example, a child may tilt her head while watching television if her distance vision is somewhat lacking. If a child has strabismus, the appearance of his eyes will be an obvious clue. Children who are nearsighted may not like to read or color. These are not reliable indications of poor vision, but they are common clues in many cases.
Routine eye exams are a convenient way to support your child’s success at school. Schedule your child’s visit with us at 540-722-6200.
Posted in: Routine Eye Exams