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Recognizing & Treating Vision Problems in Children
Posted by: Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center
The exceptional team at the Mitchell Eye Center can help you recognize if your children are having vision problems that are causing difficulty in the classroom, struggles with reading books, or interference with performing seemingly mundane activities that once seemed easy for them. It’s important to understand that even from an early age, comprehensive eye care is a vital component to your children’s overall health. So learn how to see the signs of vision problems in your children, and discover how to take care of them too!
How to Recognize a Vision Problem
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), there are a few telltale signs that indicate a child is struggling with his or her eyesight:
- Squinting
- Tilting their head/covering one of their eyes
- Holding a device or book too close to their face
- Excessive eye-rubbing
- Avoiding activities such as puzzles and coloring
- Complaints of headaches or eyes hurting
- Trouble concentrating in school
- Sensitivity to light
The AOA also points out that children may experience vision troubles as early as preschool (3 to 5 years old). For parents, this means that recognizing these signs is key because kids often aren’t old enough to fully explain their struggles.
Treating Your Child’s Vision Problem
Thankfully, there are great solutions for children with vision problems. A comprehensive eye examination between ages 3 and 5 is recommended—one of the many services easily administered by the team at the Mitchell Eye Center. After the exam, your child’s eye doctor can recommend a prescription and corrective lenses can be purchased if needed.
LASIK, while safe and effective, isn’t recommended until a patient’s eyes stop changing, which can continue into adulthood. So the best options for treating vision problems in children tend to be eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Schedule Your Appointment Now
The team at the Mitchell Eye Center can help treat your children’s vision problems. Please schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam today!
