Regular eye exams ensure your child has terrific vision and eye health. Your child must be able to see the board at school and read their homework to complete it. However, it can be challenging for parents to know when a child struggles with their vision. According to the CDC, about 6.8% of children below 18 years old have an eye condition. This article will tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Annual Exams

It's essential for children who wear glasses or corrective contacts to head to the eye doctor at least once per year. Their prescription may change over time, requiring new glasses. At an annual exam, an eye doctor will examine your child's eyes to determine if a new prescription is needed or if there are any concerns.

Physical Signs

Children usually don't realize they need corrective lenses, but there are several signs to watch out for. If kids complain they can't see across the room, or you notice them squinting their eyes, it's a sign they need an appointment with a doctor. Children may also experience eye pain or headaches due to the additional strain. Schedule an appointment with a professional if you notice any of these signs.

School Problems

Kids may not have serious complaints because they naturally avoid actions that strain their eyes, such as looking at the chalkboard or reading. Unfortunately, this often leads to falling behind in school. If you notice your little one is struggling with grades, make an appointment with a doctor to ensure steps are taken to restore vision.

Family History

Certain eye conditions, such as lazy eye, often run in families. If most people in your family have vision problems, scheduling annual exams can detect early problems with undeveloped eyes. This proactive approach ensures your child receives treatment such as corrective contact lenses. It can often help prevent physical symptoms like severe headaches from manifesting.

Eye Problems

Most people think of vision problems before heading to an ophthalmologist. However, you should schedule an appointment with your child for any eye condition. These doctors will help treat pink eye, dry eye, and much more. They will perform a comprehensive evaluation to ensure your child has proper eye health.

We understand you may not know when to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. If you're not sure, call Guardian DCS today. Our representatives can provide you with more information regarding how our systems can help your child.