How Can A Calgary Optometrist Help My Child?
Your Child Likely Doesn’t Know They Have A Vision Problem
Your child might be old enough to effectively communicate, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be able to tell you if they have vision problems. People naturally assume that their perception of the world is the default and that everyone experiences things the same way. After all, when no one tells you otherwise why would you have any reason to doubt your senses? It’s not common for the topic of vision to work its way into an organic conversation, and it’s even less common for a child to ask if their vision is wrong. Because of this, your child could have vision impairments ranging from refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) to partial blindness, and neither you nor your child would know. When you take your child to a Calgary optometrist, their vision will be assessed so you know if they need prescription lenses or other optical care. If it’s your child’s first eye exam, read First Kid’s Eye Exam Coming Up? Here’s What To Expect And Know Beforehand.
Your Child Might Struggle In School Due To Vision Impairment
If you and your child are unaware of their vision problems, this can lead to difficulty learning and potential incorrect diagnoses of learning disabilities or cognitive delays. An estimated 80% of in-school learning is visual and when a child has a visual impairment such as an untreated refractive error, they will likely fall behind in their education. If they are unable to see the board or see the words in a book, or if they struggle to distinguish letters, numbers, symbols, or colours, these can be misinterpreted as the child not understanding their lessons. Delays in school can also lead to feelings of frustration and embarrassment, can make children not want to go to school, and can foster negative associations with learning.
Eye Conditions Can Develop In Early Childhood
There are many eye conditions that develop while children are still young. For example retinoblastoma (cancer of the retina) develops in children as young as 6 months old. Other conditions such as infantile glaucoma, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and pediatric cataracts are only some of the conditions that can develop either at birth or within the first few years of life. Here is a list and descriptions of other common children’s eye conditions. While some of these conditions present visually, some are more subtle and a parent would have no way of knowing their child has an eye condition if they don’t take their child to their Calgary optometrist at a young age.
Early Detection Is Key To Managing Eye Conditions
Because there are so many eye conditions that can develop in childhood, visiting the optometrist is crucial to maintaining eye health and saving vision. The sooner an eye condition is detected and diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. Early detection can prevent the condition from causing permanent vision loss or other health complications.
Book A Children’s Eye Exams With A Calgary Optometrist
Taking an hour out of your child’s summer is a small price to pay for clear vision and the early detection of any eye conditions. At Specs in the City, our Calgary optometrists aim to make children’s eye exams educational for parents and fun for children so that trips to the eye doctor are memorable and exciting! Our Calgary optometrists make the eye exam as enjoyable as it can be for your child and our SE Calgary optometry clinic is ready to help you and your child protect their vision from the very beginning. To schedule a children’s eye exam, contact Specs in the City at 1-403-252-2020 or fill out the contact form.
FAQ
Q: When should we see our optometrist for the first children’s eye exam?
A: Children should receive their first comprehensive eye exam at the age of 6 months old and then once before they enter school at the age of 3 or 4. After that, it is recommended that they visit their optometrist once every two years if they do not require vision corrections.
Q: How do I know if my child is having vision problems?
A: Call us today to schedule a visit with a pediatric optometrist if your child is doing any of the following or having any of these issues:
- Blinking excessively
- Covering one eye or squinting frequently
- Rubbing their eyes often
- Concentration issues while looking at a specific objects
- Troubles maintaining eye contact
- Keeping a book close to their face when reading
- Putting their finger underneath sentences when reading
- Dizziness or headaches
- Sudden performance problems at school
- Uncharacteristic clumsiness
Q: What if my insurance doesn’t cover optical?
A: Children’s eye exams are covered by the Alberta government, so you won’t have to pay for any pediatric eye exams. If you need frames for your young child, Specs in the City is a part of the EYE SEE… EYE LEARN program that provides kindergarten children with free eyeglasses. To take advantage of this effort to reduce the barrier of cost when it comes to vision care, simply book an appointment with our SE Calgary optometrist and let them know you would like to take part in Eye See … Eye Learn. It’s that easy!
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