WHY A COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAM
MISIGHT FOR KIDS: A PARENT’S GUIDE
TO MANAGING MYOPIA
As parents we always want the best for our kids; from their health to their development and success in school. One area that is often overlooked yet incredibly important is eye health. Good vision plays a vital role in your child’s ability to learn, play, and engage with the world around them.
But how do you know if your child’s vision is as sharp as it should be? The answer is simple: a comprehensive eye exam.
WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAM?
A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond just checking if your child can read the letters on a chart. It’s a thorough assessment of your child’s ocular health and their ability to see clearly at different distances. During the exam an optometrist will check for any issues with visual development, eye coordination, and overall eye health.
Eyecare Kids Optometrist Celine Zhang states, “Children often don’t realise they’re having trouble seeing, which means vision issues can go unnoticed. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to detect problems early before they affect your child’s learning, development, or confidence.”
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
1
Detect Hidden Vision Problems Early
Many kids don’t realize they have vision related problems and parents may not notice
any symptoms either. Children are very adaptable and they may compensate for poor
vision without anyone noticing. Undiagnosed vision problems can impact their ability
to learn, play, and even affect their self-esteem. A comprehensive eye exam can
detect problems like lazy eyes (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), or focusing
issues before they become serious.
2
Vision Plays a Vital Role in Learning
Around 80% of learning in the classroom is visual and if a child is struggling with an
undiagnosed vision problem, it can directly affect their school performance. Issues
such as difficulty reading, poor hand-eye coordination, or trouble concentrating on
tasks may be signs that vision problems are at play. Early detection and treatment
can give your child the best chance at success in school.
3
Eye Health and Vision Can Change Quickly
Kids’ vision can change rapidly, and sometimes it’s hard to notice these changes. For
example, a child might not complain about blurry vision because they’ve never
experienced clear vision to compare it to. Regular eye exams ensure that any
changes to their vision are caught early so they don’t fall behind in their development.
4
Establishes Healthy Eye Care Habits
By making eye exams part of your child’s routine, you’re helping them develop healthy
eye care habits that will last a lifetime. An eye exam is not only an opportunity to
assess their current vision, but it’s also a great time to talk about the importance of
looking after their eyes. From wearing sunglasses to reducing screen time, instilling
good habits early on can contribute to your child’s long-term eye health.
HOW THE EYES WORK TOGETHER WITH THE BRAIN
Our eyes don’t just work on their own – they work with the brain to help us understand what we’re seeing. Good vision is about more than just having clear eyesight; it’s about how well both eyes work together. The brain processes the visual information from both eyes, combining them to create a single image. For children, developing this ability is crucial for everyday tasks like reading, writing, and even sports.
When a child’s eyes are not working together as a team it can lead to problems with eye focusing, tracking, and teaming.
Here’s a quick breakdown of these important skills:
Eye Focusing (Accommodation)
This refers to the ability to focus on objects at different distances, like switching between looking at a book and then looking at the board at school. If a child has difficulty focusing, they may struggle with tasks that require frequent shifts in focus such as reading or looking from near to far objects.
Eye Teaming (Binocular Vision)
Eye teaming is the ability for both eyes to work together as a team to create one clear image. When the eyes do not work together properly, it can cause symptoms like double vision, eye strain, and difficulty with activities like reading or playing. Conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes) or convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing on close-up objects) can interfere with proper eye teaming.
Eye Tracking
Eye tracking refers to the ability to follow moving objects or read words on a page without skipping or losing place. If a child has trouble with eye tracking, they might struggle with reading or keeping up with tasks that require visual coordination, like playing sports or even watching TV.
WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD HAVE FIRST EYE EXAM?
We generally recommend getting your child’s eyes tested as soon as you notice any signs or symptoms or concerns with their vision. Prior to starting school, your child will generally get a vision screening done through pre-school which primarily only tests how well they can see far away but no other parts of vision.
We recommend a full comprehensive eye examination prior to starting school (3-5 years of age) followed by yearly check ups through their schooling years.
SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD MIGHT NEED AN EYE EXAM
While regular eye exams are essential there are some signs that might indicate your child has a vision problem and should see an eye care professional sooner:
- Squinting or covering one eye
- Difficulty reading or seeing the board at school
- Complaints of headaches or eye strain
- Problems with hand-eye coordination or balance
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Holding books or screens very close to their face
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAM FOR KIDS?
During the exam, the optometrist will talk to you about your child’s health history and ask questions about their vision or any difficulties they may be experiencing. Your child will undergo a series of tests to evaluate their vision and eye health. Some of the tests might include:
Visual Acuity Test
This checks how well your child can see at different distances.
Binocular Vision Testing
This evaluates how well the eyes work together, testing eye alignment and coordination, eye teaming, eye tracking and eye focusing abilities.
Eye Health Exam
The optometrist will examine the eyes and perform scans to determine the overall health of the eyes.
CONCLUSION: DON’T WAIT – BOOK AN EYE EXAM TODAY!
A comprehensive eye exam is an essential part of your child’s overall health. By having their eyes checked regularly, you’re not only ensuring they can see clearly but also helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life. If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or it’s simply time for a check-up, book an appointment with an optometrist today. Early intervention can make all the difference!
At Eyecare Kids, we understand that every child is unique and we tailor our eye care to meet the individual needs of your child. Our team of experts is here to provide comprehensive eye exams and personalised treatment plans to ensure your child’s vision is the best it can be. Book an appointment today and give your child the gift of healthy vision for life.
