August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month! This month, Larson Eye Care is answering common questions parents have about their children’s eye health. When should children receive their first eye exam? Parents should have their children’s eyes examined during well-child visits starting at around age three. During this exam, your child’s eye doctor will look for refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), as well as other common childhood eye conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), ptosis (drooping eyelid), and color deficiency (color blindness). If you notice any warning signs that your child has vision problems, there’s no need to wait for an annual exam – schedule an appointment ASAP! What are the warning signs of vision problems in children? Your child may have vision problems if they experience: Crossed or wandering eyesFrequent blinking or eye rubbingDisinterest in reading or viewing distant objectsCovering one eyeSquinting or turning their head while watching television If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule them for an eye exam. My child injured their eye while playing. What should I do? Don’t delay! Eye injuries are the leading cause of vision loss in children. If you suspect your child has injured their eye, bring them to a doctor as soon as possible. To avoid injury, make sure to purchase age-appropriate toys and avoid toys with sharp edges. Many eye injuries occur...
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