Children’s Vision – Eyes of NM

Children's Vision

Children rely heavily on their vision for learning and interacting with the world around them. Undiagnosed vision problems can lead to difficulties in reading, writing, math, and participating in activities. Vision issues can damage children’s academic performance and self-esteem. Early detection and treatment of vision issues are key to preventing long-term complications.

What We Look For

Some common vision issues that can be detected during a pediatric eye exam include:

Nearsitedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty focusing on close objects.

Astigmatism: Blurred vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea.

Lazy Eye (Amblyopia): Reduced cision in one eye due to improper development.

Crossed Eyes (Strabismus): Misalignment of the eyes.

When should my child have their first exam?

It’s recommended that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Follow-up assessments should occur at age 3 and then annually starting at age 5. Early eye exams help identify and address any potential vision problems before they affect your child’s learning and development.

What are common signs of vision issues in children?

Signs of vision problems in children may include frequent squinting, rubbing of the eyes, difficulty focusing, sitting too close to the TV, or having trouble with reading and schoolwork. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with our optometrists.

What should I expect during a pediatric eye exam?

At Eyes of NM Family Optometry, our pediatric eye exams are designed to be thorough and child-friendly. Our experienced optometrist will assess various aspects of your child’s vision, including:

Visual Acuity: Measuring how well your child can see at different distances.
Eye Alignment and Tracking: Ensuring that the eyes are working together properly.
Depth Perception and Color Vision: Evaluating your child’s ability to perceive depth and color.
Overall Eye Health: Checking for any signs of eye diseases or conditions.

How are eye conditions in children treated?

Treatment for eye conditions in children depends on the specific diagnosis. Refractive errors are usually managed with glasses or contact lenses. Strabismus might require eye exercises, corrective glasses, or surgery. Amblyopia often involves patching the stronger eye or using atropine drops to strengthen the weaker eye. Additionally, conjunctivitis is treated with appropriate medications, depending on whether it is bacterial, viral, or allergic.