Most parents get their vision checked at least once per year, but what about children? It is best to catch any eye health issues as soon as possible for the best outcome. At Within Sight Vision Center in Edmond, our team provides quality eye care for patients of all ages.
Eye Screenings for Children
Parents are all too familiar with the eye screenings they received as a child while attending school. Eye screenings are designed to detect larger alignment issues and pupil responses. Although eye screenings do serve a purpose, they are often carried out by a person with no formal training in optometry and focus on only distance vision. Furthermore, an eye screening does not test for lazy eye, which requires specialized training. Eye screenings can detect large defects in a child's vision but cannot be used to evaluate how the visual system functions or eye health.
Eye Health Matters
The Journal of Behavioral Optometry states, "80% of what we learn is obtained through visual processing of information. In fact, it's been found that our brains rely on our eyes so much that our vision accounts for two-thirds of the electrical activity of the brain."
The first eye exam (not screening) should occur between 6-12 months of age. Eye exams should be performed annually every subsequent year to aid in visual development, visual learning, and hand-eye coordination. Children do not require the ability to read to receive an eye examination. Dr. Hunter uses a method called preferential looking for younger children and non-verbal adults to evaluate visual acuity.
Eye Examinations with an Optometrist
Annual eye exams from a qualified optometrist provide an extensive view of your child's eye health. The early detection and treatment of an eye issue can be essential to protecting your child's vision. Our comprehensive eye examinations test for changes in muscle motility, convergence, accommodation, ocular health, refractive errors, and visual perception. All of these variables can change frequently, and it is important to evaluate them annually to ensure proper development for your child.
Children's Activities and Screens
Our modern world brings with it an array of screens that fill up our lives. Children are more likely to watch television or something on their phone or tablet for hours at a time without looking away. Although the blue light that is emitted by these devices can affect your child in multiple ways, perhaps the most disruptive is its effect on the sleep cycle. Constant exposure to blue light can make your child feel more alert and may suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. When turning all of the screens off isn't an option, blue light filtering glasses can greatly reduce the effects of extensive screen time.
Contact Our Optometrist in Edmond, OK
At Within Sight Vision Center, Dr. Hunter will help your child with their vision needs. We perform comprehensive eye exams based on your child's age, and we make it fun and quick for our younger patients. We can also help you find blue light-blocking glasses for you or your child. Call our team today at (405) 348-3937 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.