Pediatric Eye Care Services at Lakeville Family Eye Care
Vision is a crucial aspect of a child's health at each stage of life.
Eye Exams for Children in Lakeville
At Lakeville Family Eye Care, we understand that children grow fast during their early years, and their eye and vision needs can evolve quickly. That's why we emphasize the importance of regular eye exams at different stages of childhood.
Children's eye care differs from adult eye care in some respects. While annual eye exams, protective eyewear, and sun safety are well-known aspects of vision care, children have unique requirements at each life stage.
We recommend scheduling the first infant eye exam at six months of age. At this point, babies should be able to perceive colors, focus on distant objects, and follow moving images. During this initial exam, the doctor assesses your child's eyesight and checks for common issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, eye misalignment, or astigmatism.
More frequent and specialized eye exams may be necessary for premature infants or those with developmental delays. These exams track vision progression, allowing us to monitor changes and provide appropriate management.
Eye Development By Age
Birth – 24 Months
In the first few months of life, a newborn's visual system is still in the early stages of development. As time passes, babies gradually begin to focus, explore their surroundings, and develop their visual abilities.
Between birth to 24 months, babies experience rapid advancements in their vision and physical capabilities. Their visual and motor skills go hand in hand, with actions like crawling, standing, and grasping becoming integral to their development. At this stage, most babies can throw a ball, chase after it, or stand to reach objects on a table. If you ever notice any challenges or concerns with these activities, contact us for a consultation.
2-5 Years
The preschool years are a time of exploration and social growth. During this phase, children continually develop fine motor skills to grasp a pen, fork, or book. Equally crucial is the development of visual perception, which empowers them to read, write, engage in sports, create art, and use digital devices. Given that approximately 80% of learning is visual, any challenges with clear vision can impact a child's ability to learn and grow. Timely intervention is crucial, as untreated vision issues can become more challenging for your child as time goes on.
6-18 Years
Often referred to as the formative years, children in this age group undergo significant transformations, progressing from young children to preteens and eventually to teenagers. Amidst these academic, social, and physical changes, it can be easy to overlook the impact on their eyes.
Vision issues such as nearsightedness frequently emerge in childhood, underscoring the importance of annual eye exams for kids. These comprehensive exams encompass assessments in visual acuity, eye teaming (how the eyes collaborate), color vision, peripheral vision, and more, ensuring that your child's eyesight is on track during this crucial developmental phase.
Glasses and Contacts for Kids
Children who need vision correction have a range of options. Glasses in the latest trends and designs provide a clear vision while making your kids feel stylish and self-confident. Contacts may be a good solution for active kids or those concerned about their appearance. Contacts are generally recommended for kids between 11-14, but always speak with your doctor for any specific questions.
You might associate changes in a child's behavior with hormones, school-related incidents, or even learning difficulties when vision problems are the actual cause. When your child encounters challenges in school, it might indicate an underlying vision issue.
Pay close attention to the following signs:
- Avoiding reading
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Excessive blinking
- Eyestrain
- Frequent loss of place while reading
- Persistent headaches
- Poor reading comprehension
- Short attention span
- Tilting the head to one side
These physical symptoms can lead to emotional responses such as frustration, irritability, or feeling inadequate because they can impact essential activities like reading, writing, homework, and clear board visibility. Children grappling with these challenges may express their frustration through behavioral issues.
If you notice these signs in your child, contact Lakeville Family Eye Care for a consultation. We possess the expertise, empathy, and advanced medical technology to diagnose and address various vision difficulties in school-aged children.
At Lakeville Family Eye Care, we recognize that your children require more than just routine eye care. Our doctors provide exceptional care to pediatric patients, from infants to young adults.
We believe in delivering care that combines compassion, patience, and a gentle touch with our extensive medical knowledge and expertise. Reach out to us today, and let our experienced and caring team take care of your family's vision needs for years to come.
