Children’s Eye Care Starts At Birth
You know how many times you’ve heard that babies grow quickly. This is true not only of their limbs and speech but also of their eyes. Proper eye care starts at birth and should start with a yearly eye-screening until the age of four. Children should begin to have a comprehensive eye examination at the age of five before they start school. At the age of six, an eye exam is required and thereafter if no medical concerns exist then they should be examined every two years. Of course, if your child complains about vision problems than they should be examined by a pediatric optometrist in Minneapolis MN immediately.
Introduction To Pediatric Optometrist in Minneapolis MN
Pediatric optometrists provide primary vision care that includes testing, diagnosing and treating children’s eyes . They aren’t medical doctors. The medical services that they can provide for children include:
eye examinations
tests
lens prescriptions
medication prescriptions
detect eye abnormalities
Common Eye Concerns In Children
Pediatric optometrists are well-trained to spot common eye problems in children of all ages. They see some conditions more than others and will effectively diagnose and treat the presenting eye condition. Common eye conditions in children include:
Refractive Concerns- These are remedied by the aid of prescription glasses or contact lenses. Common diagnoses are near and far-sighted and astigmatism.
Lazy Eye- This condition results in poor vision in an eye that seems to be healthy. It’s of special concern to have this condition diagnosed and treated by the age of four.
Misalignment- Eyes that aren’t aligned properly may become lazy. Eyes may turn in any direction including left and right and up and down.
Vision Problems Left Untreated Can Cause Learning Difficulties In Children
Eye abnormalities can interfere with your child’s ability to read and write effectively. When these abnormalities are left undiagnosed and untreated it can lead to children delinquency, dropping out, and even increase the rate of prison recidivism. Research indicates that as many as 25 percent of children have vision concerns that affect their ability to learn. Be sure to mention any learning disabilities or problems your child is encountering because routine screenings alone don’t usually detect problems that lead to such learning difficulties. Vision therapy can help to reduce these numbers dramatically.
Your Child May Benefit From Vision Therapy From Your Pediatric Optometrist
Vision therapy trains the child’s brain to control their eyes’ behavior which can lead to improved visual processing. Vision therapy is helpful when eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery won’t remedy the eye problem. Treatment involves the use of software, 3D activities, and specialized instruments. The therapy treatment is performed both in the optometrist’s office and at home. Treatment doesn’t last very long and may require up to 24 office visits. The office and home therapeutic sessions will strengthen the connections between the eyes and the brain. The child’s brain will retain what it has learned through these sessions making school and other daily activities easier.
