Tips For Your Child's First Eye Exam
Posted on: 11 August 2015
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children have their first eye exam between six and twelve months of age. After this, an exam around the age of three and again before going into kindergarten is recommended to keep on top of your child's visionary status and any changes that may come about during their early developing years. Here are some tips to help your child's first trip to the optometrist, at a clinic like Beyond Vision in Millwoods, go smoothly.
Picking The Right Time
Select a time of day when your child is usually wide awake and in a good mood. Making an appointment during feeding times or when your child usually naps will make it more difficult for the optometrist to get an accurate reading on your child's vision as they may be cranky or fidgety. The morning is usually a great time for an appointment as your child will be well-rested and ready to enjoy new adventures. Waiting til later in the day is risky if your child has meltdowns from over-stimulation or over-tiredness.
Soothing Your Child
When your child has their eyes checked hold them on your lap so they do not feel any fear as the eye doctor takes a look at their eyes. If your child is not yet able to talk, it may be difficult for the doctor to determine whether they are in need of glasses if they cannot sit still. The doctor will look at the shape of the eye and at the exterior of the eye with a bright light. This will let them know if your child's vision is in need of correction.
They will do a check for redness, watering and eyes that appear to be looking in two different directions. These small signs can signify larger problems that can be corrected if found early enough. Hold your child firmly while the light is shined in their eyes and whisper or softly speak to them. Commend them for a job well done.
Selecting Frames
If the optometrist sees that your child seems to relax when corrective lenses are placed in front of their eyes, and they start looking around the room in awe that they can see better than before they came into the room, glasses may be prescribed. The optometrist will have a basic idea as to the prescription needed, but it can not be tweaked to an exact 20/20 vision until your child is able to speak up when slight alterations in the prescription are placed in front of their eyes. Getting a pair of glasses with frames that curl around the backs of the ears may be best for young ages. These glasses are unbreakable and unbendable, making them a wonderful choice for smaller children.
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