Top Reasons to Get An Eye Exam

08/05/2011

Hi Discovery Family. In recognition of Children's Eye Health and Safety month, I wanted to give a big “shout-out” to an optometrist who helped me while I was a little fellow. Needless to say, that intervention has paid dividends during my adult years.

 When I was four years of age, my parents noticed that one of my eyes seemed to "drift” to the side when I was looking at them. I didn’t notice anything because I was able to play with friends, watch tv, read and enjoy the sights of each day. In other words, everything seemed “normal” to me. Even so, my parents were concerned and brought me to an eye specialist.

 It turned out I had amblyopia, or what is commonly known as a “lazy eye”. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it could have led to poor or impaired vision in the affected eye. Fortunately, with the help of the optometrist, vision therapy (temporary eye patch) and eye exercises to help the eye muscles, the eyes worked together and I am very grateful.

 

WARNING SIGNS OF A POTENTIAL VISION PROBLEM

 Parents may not know there is a vision problem by just looking at their child’s eyes, and the child may not realize they have a vision problem because they don’t know what “better” eyesight or “normal” vision is supposed to be like. However, there are clues that something may be wrong and if these appear, it is best to visit their physician.

 Look for:

• Inability of your 3 or 4 month old to “track” for following a moving ball or toy with their eyes as it moves across their field of vision
• Crossed eyes or one eye moving away from the other, especially after 6 months of age. Parents often state they “don’t know which eye to look at” because they are not staring back in the same direction
• Red eyes or discharge coming from their eyes
• Constant or frequent eye-rubbing by your child
• Bulging eyes
• Constant or frequent eye tearing
• Discoloration of the pupil (should be black)
• Inability to see read the blackboard (always needing to sit in front row)
• Squinting
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty seeing objects at a distance
• Needing to place a finger on a line they were reading to keep track of the next word or sentence

 Lastly, your child’s headaches and reluctance to read or write may be a clue that they are having trouble with their vision.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EYE EXAMINATION FOR YOUR CHILD

Speaking from personal experience, it is very important for your baby and child to have regular eye checks by their physician. That said, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

• Newborn: prior to discharge from the hospital your babies eyes should be checked for any signs of defects, cataracts, infection or glaucoma.
• By six months of age: your child’s pediatrician or family physician would check that your babies eyes are aligned (both working together and looking the same way) and that there are no signs of infection or other impairments to eye health (cataracts, etc)
• At three to four years of age: check for vision abnormalities. This can be completed by your child’s physician, or by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist with special training in pediatrics.
• Prior to kindergarten, all children age five and above should have their vision checked separately in each eye.

 Please know the above schedule is a general one and may be modified based upon your child’s eye health. Here’s to good health and clear vision to all!

 

More on Eye Health:

Eating for Eye Health

Dry Eye Syndrome

Treating Eye Strain with Aromatherapy

 

Photo Source: Thinkstock/Goodshoot

Comments

[ammar]

There are many more options for improving your reading vision. Technology has also increased the options for people receiving cataract surgery.
At http://www.Eyes.com you can learn about almost any topic related to vision and eye health. All articles posted here have been reviewed by a board certified ophthalmologist for accuracy.

[ammar]

An eye exam is a battery of tests performed by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or orthodontist assessing vision and ability to focus on and discern objects, as well as other tests and examinations pertaining to the eyes. Health care professionals often recommend that all people should have periodic and thorough eye exam as part of routine primary care, especially since many eye diseases are asymptomatic.Here are the best link to Eye Exam.
http://www.eyes.com

[Cheap Eye Exams]

When I was four years of age, my parents noticed that one of my eyes seemed to "drift” to the side when I was looking at them. I didn’t notice anything because I was able to play with friends, watch tv, read and enjoy the sights of each day. In other words, everything seemed “normal” to me. Even so, my parents were concerned and brought me to an eye specialist.
http://cheapeyeexamshq.com/

[Lasik Eye Surgery Raleigh NC]

Since you gave a shout-out, I'll give mine as well. Dr. Alan Carlson from the Duke Eye Center is an exceptional eye doctor. By far, the most respected and accomplished in the North Carolina when it comes to diagnosing and treating eye conditions. He's also great with kids, the elderly and everyone in between.

[flight simulator games]

I think wordpress is the best blogging platform available. I liked the design of your blog. Great going mate!
-Kelly

[Find a boyfriend]

Since you gave a shout-out, I'll give mine as well. Dr. Alan Carlson from the Duke Eye Center is an exceptional eye doctor. By far, the most respected and accomplished in the North Carolina when it comes to diagnosing and treating eye conditions. He's also great with kids, the elderly and everyone in between.
http://tofindaboyfriend.com

[Get a boyfriend]

When I was four years of age, my parents noticed that one of my eyes seemed to "drift” to the side when I was looking at them. I didn’t notice anything because I was able to play with friends, watch tv, read and enjoy the sights of each day. In other words, everything seemed “normal” to me. Even so, my parents were concerned and brought me to an eye specialist.
http://togetaboyfriend.net

[optometrist tarpon springs]

Many people might be not aware of the importance of polarized specs. The specs is meant for those who have photosensitive eyes. One could suffer serious eye problems if they don't protect their eyes from photo-sensitivity.

[College Dates]

FallTerms was created with one purpose, to offer a high quality dating and social networking website for college students and Alumni. We know firsthand what it’s like to be in college. College can be both a challenge mentally as well as financially. We understand that, and don’t think your dating and social life should be either.
http://fallterms.com/

[Get a boyfriend]

Is it really tough to get a boyfriend this question is much simpler but it is not really a tough job to find a perfect match. In my case it was much simpler than I ever thought. Life has been changed much in a couple of years and after my job and its been too tough too. I did not find much time to spend with myself.
http://togetaboyfriend.net

[Get a boyfriend]

Is it really tough to get a boyfriend this question is much simpler but it is not really a tough job to find a perfect match. In my case it was much simpler than I ever thought. Life has been changed much in a couple of years and after my job and its been too tough too. I did not find much time to spend with myself.
http://togetaboyfriend.net

[ammara]

yes i like it very much.

Attorneys

[ammara]

yes good blog

Attorneys

http://www.nearstop.com/

[die steel]

Enjoyed every bit of your website.Thanks Again. Great.

[chiropractor belmont headaches]

We should take really good care of our eyes because it is one of the most used (if not the most used) of all the senses. Eye problems such as eye strain could lead to worse conditions such as optical migraines or vision impairment.

[магазин ювелирных украшений]

Simply want to say your article is awesome. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you are an expert regard

[cash advance loan]

The specs is meant for those who have photosensitive eyes. One could suffer serious eye problems if they don't protect their eyes from photo-sensitivity. THX.

[eye test]

When I was still younger, I have troubles looking at what's infront on me specially the stuff my teacher wrote on the board. After seeing an optometrist, everything became much more easier to read. I do recommend all the parents out there to let their kids get an eye exam just in case.

[spy software]

In this existing article you have shared really a great stuff i am impressed with these learning techniques.

[no deposit casino blog]

Hi. Thanks for a brilliant effort in posting your article. One one can be more informative like this. Many things I can to know only after reading your wonderful article...

[keylogger Mac]

Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright....lol.

[eye test]

I've always believed in the importance of having our eyes checked up. This post just gave me more reason to believe that.

[natural weight loss]

This is my first time i visit here.

[www.medifasthealth.org/blog/working-medifast-coupons/]

Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.

[wearing eye glasses]

Very good Post, It is very important to discover eyesight problems as earlier as possible so preventive actions can be taken. All young parents, please take your kids to eye exam at least twice a year, just to make sure everything is ok. Thanks for Post , very helpful and reminding.