A Parent’s Guide to Pediatric Eye Health

As parents, we always want the best for our kids, and that includes their vision. Clear sight helps them learn, play, and grow. Good eye care from an early age is essential. Early eye exams, healthy habits, and awareness can help your child’s vision stay strong for years.

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

Taking care of your child’s eye health begins with their first eye exam. Eye health professionals recommend scheduling the first exam when your child is 6 months old. Even if no issues seem present, early checkups can help detect potential problems. After that, exams should happen at age three, before school, and every two years.

Common Eye Conditions in Children

Children can face many eye conditions, some more common than others. Here are a few:

• Refractive Errors — These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, all of which blur vision.

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) — This is where one eye doesn’t develop normal vision, leading to visual impairment.

• Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) — When the eyes don’t align properly, leading to double vision or trouble focusing.

• Convergence Insufficiency — Difficulty focusing both eyes on nearby objects, common in kids who read or use screens a lot.

How Can I Tell If My Child Has Vision Problems?

Children often do not express when they have trouble seeing, so it’s up to parents to watch closely. Look for signs that suggest your child may be struggling with their vision. For instance, squinting or tilting their head when reading or watching TV may indicate trouble focusing. These behaviors are often their way of trying to see more clearly.

Other signs to watch include headaches or tired eyes, which can result from eye strain. If your child holds objects, books, or screens too close to their face, it could be a sign of nearsightedness. You may also notice them rubbing their eyes often or blinking frequently as they try to focus.

Lastly, it’s worth paying attention if your child is having difficulty seeing the board at school or struggling to focus during activities.

How to Protect Your Child’s Eye Health

There are simple habits you can teach your kids to keep their eyes healthy. Here’s how:

• Limit Screen Time — Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Encourage Outdoor Play — Outdoor activities can reduce the risk of nearsightedness. The more time outside, the better.

• Healthy Diet — Include vitamin A and C rich foods, like carrots, spinach, and oranges. These support eye health.

• Proper Lighting — Make sure your child’s reading or screen area is well-lit. This reduces eye strain.

• UV Protection — Get your child UV-blocking sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful sun rays.

When Should I Seek Professional Help?

When your child starts showing signs of eye strain or vision problems, book an appointment with an eye doctor. The doctor will detect the problem and then recommend the best course of treatment.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams monitor your child’s eye health. Even if they seem to see well, there may be underlying issues. Eye exams are simple and quick and can help identify conditions like refractive errors, amblyopia, and strabismus before they become serious problems.

For more on pediatric eye health, visit Michelle Blew, O.D. Optometry at our office in Kennebunk, Maine. Call (207) 216-9937 to book an appointment today.