Your child’s eye exam is more than a quick vision screening — it’s an opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of their eye health and vision development. Thinking about questions and concerns ahead of time ensures you won’t forget anything on the day of the appointment — but knowing what to ask isn’t always easy.
As a leading pediatric eye doctor serving kids and teens in Arizona, the team at ABC Children's Eye Specialists wants parents and patients to get the most from their exam. In this post, they offer a quick list of five questions to help you get the answers you need.
Children’s eyes and vision change quickly, especially in the early years when growth and development happen rapidly. Our team checks your child’s vision against vision milestones appropriate for children in the same age group. If problems are uncovered, we can provide therapies focused on correcting issues early for the best possible long-term outcomes for your child.
Depending on your child’s age and other factors, they may not discuss their vision issues with you — or they may not even realize they’re out of the ordinary. Regular eye exams are essential for catching — and treating — these issues as early as possible, before they take a toll on your child’s health or activities.
If you notice any habits like squinting or eye-rubbing, if your child complains of headaches, if they struggle to read or do homework assignments, or if they hold objects very close to their face to see them, these are all symptoms of potential eye problems that should be brought up during your visit.
Clear, crisp vision is just one part of healthy eyesight. Eye coordination and depth perception are also essential for lots of tasks, including schoolwork, sports, and socializing.
Our team can perform special evaluations to check for issues like amblyopia or strabismus that could be interfering with your child’s eyesight, even if they don’t display obvious signs.
Generally speaking, every child should have an initial eye exam before they’re six months old, with a followup exam by age 2-3 and again before they begin school. Early exams help spot problems early, so they can be managed before they cause problems with development or comfort.
By school age, our team can recommend how frequently your child should be examined to check for problems and monitor their vision skills development. Remember: The vision screenings your child receives in school are no substitute for comprehensive eye exams with our skilled pediatric ophthalmology team.
Your child’s daily habits can have a significant impact on their vision and their eye health. As a parent, you have the opportunity to shape habits that set the stage for a lifetime of clear vision. Of course, it’s not always easy to know what to do, but asking this question is a good start.
Depending on your child’s needs, our team may suggest simple things like limiting screen time, spending plenty of time playing outside, and making sure your child gets plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats — all important contributors to eye health and function.
Your child’s vision and eye health play major roles in their growth and development, setting the stage for success now and in their adult years, as well. Asking plenty of questions helps ensure your child receives appropriate support while providing you with confidence and peace of mind.
To schedule an exam for your child, call our offices to request an appointment with the team at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists in Phoenix, Avondale, Sun City, Gilbert, and Mesa, Arizona, today.
