Childs First Eye Exam

I have always emphasized that all children prior to starting school should have an complete eye exam. Yes, the Schools do provide vision screening at certain grade levels but can not be substituted for a comprehensive eye exam .  Undetected vision problems can lead to difficulties in school. 

Behavioral Optometry by Roger Johnson, Ph.D. of Old Dominion University and Joel Zaba, M.A., O.D, there is a significant relationship between undetected vision problems and reading, learning and behavioral difficulties.

About 80% of learning in a child's first 12 years comes through the eyes. Some children are labeled "learning disabled" or "trouble-makers," when all they need is an eye exam and appropriate vision correction. Good vision is fundamental to reading; it is vital to seeing such learning tools as the chalkboard, visual aids and videos. In short, good vision is as essential to learning as the ABC's.

Unlike a comprehensive exam, a simple vision screening — a distance vision test using a Snellen chart — only identifies 5% of vision problems in children, according to the American Foundation for Vision Awareness. While these vision screenings are useful for offering an early indication of problems relating to distance eyesight, they miss other critical vision deficiencies that can impact a child's eye health, development and school and learning performance.

However, a comprehensive eye exam measures a number of visual skills that are critical to a child's healthy vision, such as using both eyes as a team, the ability of the eyes to focus properly when reading a book, or viewing a computer, and the ability of the eyes to move properly when reading across a page of print.

"Making a child's first test a vision test will prepare children to enter school ready to gain the knowledge and skills that will remain with them their entire lives," said Dr. Zaba. "How well a child can see will have a great impact on how much and/or how quickly they will learn."

Look for these five telltale signs of poor vision in your child:
 

1. Squinting, closing or covering one eye; excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes
2. Dislike and/or avoidance of close work; short attention span; frequent daydreaming
3. Placing the head close to a book when reading; losing place while reading
4. Complaints of headaches, nausea and dizziness; excessive clumsiness
5. Turning or tilting the head to one side

If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure your child sees an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination. Keep in mind that not all problems can be diagnosed by you or a school nurse; only an eye doctor has the training and equipment to catch everything.

To all the parents that have children under 5 Years of Age
PLEASE take them to an Eye Care Professional for there First Eye Exam.
Your child will Thank You later.

Sincerely Yours
Don Nakatsuchi, OD