As a parent, you must ensure that you take your child to an eye doctor because eye health is crucial to overall health. Also, your growing child will have unique healthcare needs that a healthcare professional should take care of. Hence, taking your child to an optometrist is a good step in ensuring that their eyes are healthy. 

If you are wondering if your child has vision issues, you need to schedule a visit to the eye doctor. This is because an eye exam is the only way to know if your child has vision problems. 

Why Children Need to Visit an Optometrist 

Poor vision can make it difficult for your child to learn, stay safe, and see well at different distances. Delays in taking your child to the optometrist can lead to long-term vision issues. Eye checkups will help ensure that your child receives necessary vision correction. 

The eyes need to work together well to see and focus effectively. The eye doctor will look at the different eye skills to ensure they develop properly. 

When to Take Your Child to an Optometrist

Do not wait until you notice signs of vision difficulties before scheduling a visit to the eye doctor. Children should get their first eye exam at six months, then the next after three years. You should schedule another exam after six years or when the child starts school. 

After six, the child should have eye exams every year or two. The routine eye exams should continue for life. If exams reveal eye health issues or vision problems, the eye doctor may recommend more frequent exams. 

Signs That Your Child May Have Vision Issues

Young children may not be able to communicate any vision difficulties. In many cases, they may not even know they have an eye problem. Some signs that can indicate your child has vision problems include:

• Delayed motor development.
• Excessive blinking or eye rubbing.
• Minimal eye contact. 
• Your child keeps failing eye screenings at school. 

In many cases, parents fail to notice signs of vision issues. 

How Vision Issues Affect Children

Uncorrected vision problems can cause your child to suffer in school and social settings. The child’s ability to learn is affected, and it can lead to behavioral or discipline issues. Uncorrected vision can also place the child’s safety at risk. Inability to see road signs can be dangerous. 
 

If the eyes are not focusing correctly, children may feel isolated. It can lead to low self-confidence, socialization, and personality development issues. The child may not be able to participate in physical activities.

How Often You Should Take Your Child to the Optometrist

How often your child should visit an optometrist depends on age and vision condition. After the initial exam at six months, the child should get another exam between two and five years. You should not depend on the regular school vision screenings to determine if your child’s vision is good. Annual visits to the optometrist are ideal if your child needs vision correction. 

For more on taking your child to the optometrist, visit Green Eye Care at our New York, New York office. Call (332) 334-8700 today to schedule an appointment.