3 Most Common Mistakes: Children’s Vision
Pitfalls to avoid with your child’s optometrist.
by Babble Editors
November 6, 2009
What are the 3 most common mistakes parents make when visiting the optometrist?
Expert: Dr. Leanne Liddicoat, a VSP Vision Care network optometrist.
1. Confusing those school screenings with eye exams.
"Too often, these quick screenings give parents a false sense of security. Parents think because their child's eyes have been checked in school, they don't need to see an optometrist, which isn't the case. In fact, sometimes screenings actually do more harm than good because it leaves many vision problems undetected. It's crucial that parents know the difference between eye exams and screenings. Only optometrists can see the health and development of your child's retinas and eye muscles."
"The American Optometric Association recommends that all children have a complete eye exam by an eye doctor at six months, three years and five years old. Between the ages of six and eighteen, your child should see an optometrist every two years, even if they've been screened by the school or pediatrician. Of course, if they're seeing poorly, you should schedule an exam sooner."
2. Relying on your child's opinion of their eyesight.
"Kids that have impaired vision from birth have no idea what normal vision is like, so they don't know the difference. Also, some children either really want glasses or really don't want glasses, which may skew their opinion. That's why it's important to schedule regular eye exams, even if your child swears he can see just fine."
3. Leaving the sunglasses behind.
"Sunscreen isn't enough! Even on cloudy days, radiation can be strong, and the effects the UV rays have on the eyes over time can be devastating. And oftentimes, sun damage to the eyes cannot be fixed by an optometrist. It's never too young to put your child in sunglasses — younger ones often do better than the two- to three-year-olds. Your optometrist can help you choose a pair that's right for your child. Remember, the most important factor in sunglasses is 100% UVA and 100% UVB protection, along with a good fit and polycarbonate lenses for safety. And when you choose a pair, it's worth it to spend a little extra money on a pair that really protects your child's eyes."
As told to Andrea Zimmerman.
©2009 Babble
