Exploring the Benefits of Pediatric Eye Care for Children’s Development

Eye care is an essential element of pediatric growth and development. Early detection of vision issues and eye disorders is critical to maintaining a child’s health. Children use their eyes to explore the world around them, develop cognitive learning skills, and develop physical skills. Therefore, eye health is of the utmost importance.

Early Detection and Intervention

Early detection and intervention are likely the most imperative factors in pediatric eye care. Children may not always have the ability to articulate how they’re feeling or how they see the world. In fact, children with vision issues may believe that everyone sees the world the way they do. Because of this, nearly 25% of school-aged children struggle with unnecessary vision issues.

Eye specialists provide special diagnostic tools for children and child-appropriate eye exam techniques. Pediatric optometrists will provide conclusive eye exam results so parents will be fully aware of any challenges their child is facing. These optometrists specialize in vision issues in children, such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, color vision issues, crossed eyes (amblyopia), and lazy eye (strabismus). Early detection of these issues can significantly change a child’s outcome and help prevent long-term vision issues.

Enhancing Learning and Development

When you ensure that your child has fully functioning visual acuity, you’re aiding them in their endeavor for learning and development. Improving a child’s vision can improve achievement and academic performance, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.

Healthy Vision Moving Forward

When children have access to a pediatric eye doctor, they will be monitored to ensure their eyes develop as they should. Over time, their optometrist can perform conclusive eye exams that help track changes in the eye.

Visual Skills Development

Some vision issues can be corrected through daily eye exercises and activities. Through instruction in tracking, focusing, and eye coordination, eye doctors can assist their young patients in correcting these vision issues. Early intervention ensures the success of these corrective exercises.

When is the Right Time to Schedule A Child for a Vision Assessment?

Before the age of 5, children should be monitored each year at their annual physicals for vision issues. If no issues are present, they may come back each year. If there are eye issues, they will be referred to a pediatric optometrist. For other issues regarding eye health, parents can observe their children for specific signs, indicating it may be time for an assessment. These signs include:

• Squinting
• Eye Rubbing
• Frequent Headaches
• Issues with Hand-Eye Coordination
• Chronic Ear Tearing
• Redness of the Eye
• A Crossed Eye
• White Spots on the Eye
• Hypersensitivity to Light

If any of these issues should occur, it is time to schedule an appointment with your child’s eye doctor.

Conclusion

Regular pediatric eye exams are essential for a child’s development, growth, and safety. Correcting vision issues can help prevent accidents and injuries, assist in learning and self-esteem, and promote overall eye health.

Spindel Eye Associates

When you are ready to schedule an eye exam with a pediatric eye doctor for your child, call the experts at Spindel Eye Associates. The eye doctors at Spindel are well-equipped to work with children, so you can trust that your child’s vision will be accurately and conclusively assessed. With four locations in the New Hampshire area, we are available to see patients in Derry, Londonderry, Windham, and Raymond. For more information, visit our website or call (603) 217-2583.