Do you know how well your child is able to see?
You may be wondering if your child really needs and eye exam or if it is something that can wait until they expressed having vision problems. Many vision issues and eye health problems don’t have signs and symptoms, your child may not even be aware that they are having issues with their vision and they believe what they are seeing is normal.
When should children have eye exams?
Children should have their eyes examined at 6 months, 3 years, when they begin school, and then every year following. If there are any signs that there may be a vision problem or if the child has certain risk factors (such as developmental delays, premature birth, crossed or lazy eyes,) more frequent exams may be recommended.
Eye Exams for Infants
To assess whether your baby’s vision is following important milestones, exams at 6-12 months can determine their development. Even though your child may not be able to talk, the doctor will use the following tests to assess their vision:
- Tests of pupil responses evaluate whether the eye’s pupil opens and closes properly in the presence or absence of light.
- “Fixate and follow” testing determines whether your baby’s eyes are able to fixate on and follow an object such as a light as it moves. (Infants should be able to fixate on an object soon after birth and follow an object by the time they are 3 months old.
How Vision Problems Affect Learning
Experts say that 80% of what children learn is school is presented visually, ensuring your child has good vision is essential in helping them reach their full potential.
The older children get, the more vision deficiency can affect their learning abilities. A recent CAO study shows that 10% of preschoolers have a vision deficiency and that number increases to 25% from kindergarten to grade 6.
Children can also be misdiagnosed with a learning or behavioral disability, due to issues like difficulties with focusing on schoolwork. Up to 60% of children who are diagnosed with learning disabilities actually suffer from undetected vision problems.
Watch for these issues in conjunction with school problems:
- Headaches or eye strain
- Blurry or double vision
- Excessive blinking or rubbing eyes
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Crossed eyes or eyes that seem to work independently
- Turning or tilting head to use one eye only
- Having to sit closer to the board or keeping pages close to read
Protect Your Child’s Vision with Advanced Myopia Management
As parents, we all want to ensure our children have the best possible start in life, and that includes safeguarding their vision. Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children worldwide. However, with early detection and proactive management, its progression can be significantly slowed down, preserving your child’s eye health and vision for the future. Our clinic is at the forefront of this mission, utilizing the groundbreaking MYAH technology from Topcon Healthcare.
Early Detection for a Brighter Future
The key to effective myopia management lies in early detection. MYAH employs the latest in optical biometry and corneal topography, enabling us to precisely measure the axial length and the curvature of your child’s cornea. These measurements are crucial for identifying those at risk of developing myopia or monitoring its progression. With MYAH, we can spot subtle changes in your child’s eyes, ensuring timely intervention.
Tailored Myopia Management for Every Child
MYAH isn’t just about detection; it’s about providing a comprehensive solution tailored to your child’s needs. It combines several advanced features into one device:
● Axial Length : For accurate axial length measurement, a critical factor in assessing myopia progression.
● Corneal Topography: To understand the shape of the cornea, vital for diagnosing and managing myopia effectively.
● Pupillometry: Measures pupil size under different lighting conditions, helping to customize treatment plans according to how your child’s eyes respond to various environments.
Benefits of Choosing MYAH for Your Child
Choosing MYAH for your child’s myopia management comes with numerous advantages. It represents a one-time investment in your child’s vision, offering a scalable platform not only for myopia but also for dry eye management. This all-in-one approach allows for a more comprehensive assessment of your child’s ocular health, leading to personalized and effective treatment strategies.
Myopia Management
Furthermore, MYAH’s ability to compare individual measurements with growth curves for axial length aids in predicting the potential progression of myopia. This predictive analysis is crucial for educating parents and children about the importance of early intervention and the benefits of ongoing monitoring.
Invest in Your Child’s Vision Today
Incorporating MYAH into our practice has significantly enhanced our ability to manage myopia effectively, providing an efficient, affordable, and repeatable method for monitoring changes over time. We’re committed to offering evidence-based interventions to slow myopia progression, aiming to preserve your child’s visual function and improve their quality of life.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the first step towards protecting your child’s vision by choosing our advanced myopia management services. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help your child achieve better eye health and vision for a brighter tomorrow.