Children’s Eye Safety and Health Month

Crozet Eye Care Children's Eye Exams

Crozet Eye Care Children's Eye Exams

It’s hard to believe, but it’s August already and that means school is right around the corner! Enrollment forms and orientation schedules are being completed, immunizations are being done and well visits are being accomplished–but what about your child’s eyes?

August is Children’s Eye Safety and Health Month – the perfect time for me to talk about the importance of taking care of your children’s eyes (and your own, of course!). According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), healthy eyes and good vision play critical roles in how infants and children learn to see. It is estimated that 80% of learning occurs through vision. The AOA recommends eye care check-ups starting at age 6 months followed by every two years – even if no eye or vision problems are apparent – and more frequently if experiencing signs that may indicate a vision problem (see signs below).

 

As a family practice, Crozet Eye Care is one of the few practices that serve children under age 5 in the Greater Charlottesville area. Our team is trained to work with children of all ages to ensure that check-ups and visits are as comfortable and pleasant as possible for our little patients (our fun prizes help!).

Many children may not realize that they have a problem because they think how they see is how everyone else sees.  An eye exam with an optometrist is the ideal way for parents to know if their child has a vision problem.  Parents should also watch for the following signs may be indications of eye and vision problems:

For Pre-Schoolers, in which it is estimated that 10% are affected by vision problems:

  • Sitting close to TV or holding a book too close
  • Squinting
  • Tilting head to one side
  • Frequently rubbing eyes
  • Short attention span for age
  • Turning of an eye in or out
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination 
  • Avoiding coloring activities, puzzles and other detailed activities

 

For School-Age Children:

  • Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
  • Short attention span
  • Avoiding reading and other close activities
  • Frequent headaches
  • Covering one eye
  • Tilting the head to one side
  • Holding reading materials close to the face
  • An eye turning in or out
  • Seeing double
  • Losing his or her place when reading
  • Difficulty remembering what he or she reada

As always, feel free to contact us with questions you may have about your child’s vision. We can be reached via e-mail at info@crozeteyecare.com and appointments can be made by calling our office at(434) 823-4441.