Eye care is a crucial element of health care for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's estimated that 6.8% of children under 18 in the United States have been diagnosed with an eye or vision-related disorder. Catching these conditions early can make a big difference in their treatment. Here's why scheduling your child's visit to an optometrist is an essential task.

Vision Is Important for Learning

Vision plays a crucial role in helping children learn about the world. Without good vision, a child struggles to make sense of their surroundings, and their educational progress is hindered. It's important that any existing vision issues are found promptly so they can be treated. A vision exam is also the first line of defense in diagnosing learning disabilities and developmental delays.

During an exam, an eye specialist observes a child's eyes, checks for visual impairments, and assesses any risk factors or symptoms that could be related to a learning disability. An eye exam also helps to identify other issues that may not have been noticed previously, such as impaired depth perception or focusing difficulties.

School Screenings Miss Many Problems

Despite the prevalence of childhood vision problems, the American Optometric Association estimates that school screenings fail to find up to 75% of vision impairments in children. Without a full eye exam, kids may miss the chance to get corrective lenses or other treatments. Parents should make sure their child gets regular eye checkups to identify and address any potential problems early.

Eye Problems Are Linked to Other Medical Conditions

An optometrist has the tools and experience necessary to detect existing medical conditions in children. During a comprehensive eye exam, the doctor will look for signs of underlying diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure that may be affecting a child's vision. They can also diagnose eye conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes), which can lead to learning challenges if not addressed. The doctor will then help develop an appropriate treatment plan for any existing medical condition or vision problem detected during the eye exam.

Vision is an essential part of learning and development. An optometrist will provide a comprehensive eye exam to detect underlying diseases and other issues that may interfere with a child's ability to learn. With timely detection and treatment, children can receive the proper care they need. Want to get started with an appointment? Contact our team at Hemet Optometric Center today!