About this topic
Eye exams are very important for your child. Most often, the doctor will check a babys eyes shortly after birth. Some children need screenings at 6 months of age. Most children should have another eye exam by age 3 or 4. Often, young children do not know they have an eye problem. Many schools screen for problems with eyesight. These may not always find a problem. Having your child tested each year may help to find a problem early in life. � �
General
- If you have been told your child needs glasses:
- Let your child help pick out the frames for the glasses. This way, your child will be more likely to wear them.
- Make this a fun time. Let your child try on lots of shapes and colors before choosing the right pair.
- Make sure the glasses are the right size for your childs face.
- Make sure the lenses are centered over your child's eyes.
- Have your eye doctor check the fit from time to time.
- Encourage your child to:
- Keep the glasses in a case when not wearing them.
- Clean them as shown by the eye doctor.
- Use both hands when taking the glasses on and off. This will keep from stretching them.
What will the results be?
It is important to find and treat an eye problem early. This may help to correct the problem and avoid a more serious problem later in life. � �
What are the main signs?
It may be a sign your child needs glasses if your child: � �
- Is not able to read the blackboard at school
- Loses place when reading or uses a finger to read
- Has to sit very close to the TV
- Needs to squint or cover an eye to see better
- Tilts the head to the side when looking at something
- Has an eye that turns in or out
- Often has headaches or feels dizzy
What problems could happen?
Without proper eyesight care, your child could: � �
- Have more eyestrain and headaches
- Fall behind in school
- Have worsened eyesight
Helpful tips
- Have your child wear sunglasses if outdoors for long periods of time.
- Have your child wear protective eyewear when playing games like paintball or other contact sports.
- Have your child wear protective eyewear when taking classes in school that could injure the eyes. This would be things like woodworking or working with machines.
- Try finding books about kids with glasses that your child can read.
- Praise your child for wearing the glasses. Let your child know how good the glasses look. This may help if your child feels self-conscious wearing them.
- Look at magazines to find pictures of sports heros, movie stars, and TV peers who wear glasses. It may help your child to know that lots of their "idols " � wear glasses.
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus � �
http://www.aapos.org/terms/conditions/54 � �
KidsHealth � �
http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/body/glasses.html � �
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/vision.html � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �