Pediatric Eye Care

Why Pediatric Eye Care Matters
Pediatric eye care is essential to ensure the healthy development of your child’s vision. Proper eye care helps detect and manage vision problems early, preventing potential issues that can affect your child’s learning, social skills, and overall well-being.

When to Start Eye Exams

Experts recommend the following schedule for children’s eye check-ups:

At birth: The first examination is typically performed in the hospital to identify any obvious eye abnormalities.
6-12 months: An eye exam helps identify issues like misaligned eyes, farsightedness, or cataracts.
3-5 years: A comprehensive check-up to assess visual acuity and screen for conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus).
6+ years: Annual eye exams, especially for school-aged children, are crucial to detect and address vision changes caused by growth or academic strain.

Pediatric

Common Pediatric Eye Conditions

Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing objects at a distance.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Struggle with close-up vision.
Astigmatism: Blurred vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Reduced vision in one eye due to improper visual development.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Misalignment of the eyes, which can affect depth perception.
Blocked Tear Ducts: Common in infants, leading to excessive tearing or eye discharge.

Signs Your Child May Have Vision Problems

Frequent squinting or rubbing of the eyes
Tilting the head to one side
Difficulty reading or focusing on tasks
Complaints of headaches or eye pain
Sitting too close to screens
Sensitivity to light or watery eyes

If you notice these signs, schedule an appointment with a pediatric eye specialist immediately.

The Role of Technology and Digital Screens

Excessive screen time can strain a child’s developing eyes, leading to conditions like digital eye strain. To reduce the impact:

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Limit screen time, especially for children under 6.

Tips for Healthy Vision in Children

Nutritious Diet: Include eye-friendly foods like leafy greens, carrots, fish, and eggs.
Proper Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting during reading or screen time.
Eye Protection: Use sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors.
Frequent Breaks: Encourage breaks during homework or prolonged visual tasks.