By Dr. Amy Jankowski
When you take a closer look at the percentages surrounding childhood vision impairment, you may be surprised at what you see…
- Some 60% of students identified as problem learners have undetected vision troubles.
- An estimated 80% of what children learn is through their vision.
- 10% of children see words as blurred or scrambled due to eye-teaming issues.
- A whopping 85% of America’s preschoolers have not undergone a comprehensive vision exam before the age of 5.
The good news is that annual eye exams can protect your child’s vision, their overall health and their education. For these reasons, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends eye exams (not just vision screenings) before your baby can walk.
Their first comprehensive eye exam should be given by a Doctor of Optometry or Ophthalmology between 6-12 months of age. If your child has an unremarkable exam, it should be repeated at ages 3, 6 and every year while in school.
However, it is important to consider the vision needs of both the general child population, and those with special needs. The incidence of refractive errors or strabismus increase dramatically in children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or who are born prematurely.
Sticking to a regimen of early eye exams can help determine if your child needs a prescription to see clearly, if they lack binocular vision (the ability for their eyes to work together and obtain depth perception), or early detection of eye diseases such as congenital cataracts, glaucoma or ocular tumors.
Allowing all children access to preventative eye care is one way we can assure they will have their best possible quality of life.
Dr. Amy Jankowski is founder, CEO and Doctor of Optometry at Metro Eye; a multi-specialty practice focusing on the vision and eye-health needs of patients from young professionals to families. Her practice is based in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Dr. Jankowski is a certified InfantSEE provider. Call today to ask about scheduling an appointment for your infant.
Photo credit: danibabii08 / Foter / CC BY