Let Kids Be Wild with a Clear View of the World

Posted Dec 19, 2019 | Eye Health

Our children steal our hearts, hidden treats, alone time, and our patience. Even still, we spend our days thinking about how we can do our best to provide them with everything they need to live a healthy and happy life.

Every weekend has an adventure, be it in a living room fort or hitting the open road to share new experiences with them by your side. All these moments we hold tight as we watch them take in the world for the first time. Truly one of the greatest rewards of, sometimes strenuous, parenting.

According to the American Optometric Association, 25% of children already wear, or will need to wear, glasses by the time they reach kindergarten. Looking at these statistics made us wonder just how many of these moments our own children are able to see.

For those parents who already wear glasses, we know how important our vision is. For our children, those blurry moments could be happening as early as 6 months. VSP® shared a survey where only 12 percent of parents realized children can have an eye exam as early as six months. Gone are the days of waiting to see if there’s a sign they’re struggling. Children may not even realize they aren’t seeing as well as their friends and family.

How often do kids need an eye exam?

You can bring your child in for an eye exam at 6 months and then again when they reach the age of 3 years-old before they start preschool. After that, an annual comprehensive eye exam helps monitor development and overall health and wellness.

What are the signs your child needs glasses?

Small changes in your child’s vision can develop at any time. Small signs that can indicate there’s an issue with your child’s sight include squinting, headaches, and more. Keep an eye out for seven common signs they might need corrective lenses.

If you’re starting to notice certain behaviors that indicate they’re struggling, take them to see your local optometrist and rest easy. Don’t know who to call? Don’t worry--we’ve got 38,000 doctors who can help.

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What kind of glasses does my child need?

There’s a wide assortment of glasses for children that can match their personality and needs. When shopping around, it’s important to know about coatings like blue light protection and anti-reflection. We’ve outlined lens enhancements for you to make things a little easier. Already know your child needs eyeglasses?

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