When Should My Kids Start Seeing an Eye Doctor?

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist at six months of age. Many optometrists recommend an exam between birth and two years old, if vision impairment is a hereditary concern or if symptoms persist. Following this time frame, the AOA recommends an eye exam every two years, if no vision correction is required.

On the other hand, children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually, or more often if their optometrist advises. Refractive errors, otherwise known as blurry or obstructed vision, are seen in almost 20 percent of children. The most common refractive error seen in children is Myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness. Myopia indicates that a child can see close up, but has difficulty seeing things across a distance.

Refractive vision issues are so frequently diagnosed in children that doctors estimate one in four children wear some sort of vision correction, in order to see properly. The more consistently children wear their glasses, however, the clearer their vision will become. Help identify and treat vision issues by addressing them immediately.

Can Eye Prescriptions Improve with Age?

It’s no secret that children are more resilient than adults, and thus more likely to have health-related miracles! As it pertains to vision, children are capable of outgrowing the need for glasses in some cases, with the proper treatment as prescribed by an optometrist. In fact, children who only have a slight astigmatism often outgrow this condition and may not need corrective lenses later in life.

This is perhaps because young bodies are always growing. Bodily resources and energy are constantly being used to create bone and muscle tissue. As organs like the eye are growing and developing, the body is constantly healing. This process can be expedited with proper medical care.

It is normal to notice changes in vision with age, such as losing the ability to see up close. It is important to establish a vision baseline for your children, so that they can recognize and monitor such decline over time. In addition to vision-related elements, your optometrist can help identify additional problems with your child’s health.

An Eye Exam Can Identify:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorder
• Cancer
• Multiple sclerosis

Family is the Foundation of Good Health

Science proves the combination of supportive relationships, adaptive skill-building, and positive experiences is the foundation of resilience. Children who do well in the face of serious hardship typically have a biological resistance to adversity and strong relationships with the important adults in their family and community. Establish a strong foundation for your child by advocating for their health early on!

How to Know if Your Kids are Covered

The Affordable Care Act requires coverage for pediatric vision care as one of the essential health benefits. At Johns Creek Eyecare we accept most vision and health insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, Anthem, United Health, and more. Please call our office to inquire about yours.

Family Eyecare

Join our eyecare family! We welcome patients from Johns Creek, GA. We look forward to meeting you and your family and talking with you about how we can serve you. Request an appointment, here.