Children’s vision challenges can be harder to detect than adult’s for the simple reason that children may not know they are seeing the world differently than other children, so they may not know to be concerned. But undiagnosed vision challenges can cause children to have developmental challenges and to underperform in school and in extracurricular activities.
Since June is Children’s Vision Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to talk about children’s vision issues and the importance of having healthy eyes for a lifetime. And since the kids are out of school for the summer, it’s also the perfect time to schedule that annual eye exam to make sure they are seeing well and ready for the coming school year.
Children’s Eye Exams
For children, regular eye exams are just as important as regular medical check-ups. With 12 or more instructional years ahead of them, much of the information children receive will be visual in nature. For this reason, it is important that they be able to see well in order to be ready to learn.
According to the American Optometric Association, children should have their first eye exam at six months of age, again at three years old and another exam before starting school (about age five). Children without risk factors should then continue to have their eyes examined every two years until age 18. Those with certain risk factors (premature birth, developmental delays and a family history of eye disease) should see an optometrist every year.
It’s important to note that a vision screening at a well-child checkup or at school is not the same as a pediatric eye exam and should never replace an eye exam with an optometrist. In addition to basic visual acuity (distance and near vision), an eye exam at Cargo Eye Care of Las Colinas assesses the following visual skills that are needed for learning and mobility:
- How well the eyes work together as a team
- Focusing
- Peripheral Vision
- Color Vision
- Hand-eye Coordination
- Tracking
Our clinical team will also examine around the eyes and inside the eye to check for any eye signs of disease or health conditions. We will also address any concerns your child has that might indicate a vision problem.
Kids and Glasses
If your child has vision issues that require corrective eyewear, we are here for you. We are not just a primarily adult optometric practice that offers a few choices in frames for children. At Cargo Eye Care, it is our honor to serve every member of your family, from the youngest to the most senior member. An entire portion of our practice is dedicated to Pediatric Myopia Management and our optical team is skilled in helping select the best frames and lenses for little eyes.
We love to help our young patients feel good about wearing glasses. And we love to ease parents’ concerns about the durability of frames. It’s a fair concern. Kids can be rough on their glasses. At Cargo Eye Care, we are proud to offer Dilli Dalli Eyewear. These unique frames are made just for kids. They are kid and parent approved because they are fun and durable. With fun styles and colors, your child will feel comfortable and confident in these uniquely flexible glasses.
Children’s Vision Is Our Passion
Cargo Eye Care of Las Colinas is the leading provider of optometry services and vision care in the Irving community. We’ve served generations of families since 2002. Our experienced team provides comprehensive vision examinations and our doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions and problems. It would be our honor to serve you and your entire family.
