According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), healthy eyes and good vision play a critical role 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, we are one of the few practices that serves children under age 5 in the Greater Charlottesville area.
The team at Crozet Eye Care 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!).
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 the TV or holding a book too close
- Squinting
- Tilting their head
- Frequently rubbing their eyes
- Short attention span for the child’s age
- Turning of an eye in or out
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination when playing ball or bike riding, 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 read
Contact me with any questions, drfranklin@crozeteyecare.com