Why Kids Need Back to School Eye Exams ? Health Hub from ...

You may be knee deep in school supplies as the new year approaches, but don?t forget about your children?s health, especially their eyes. Ophthalmologist Rishi Singh, MD, of Cleveland Clinic?s Cole Eye Institute, says it?s never a bad idea to have your child?s eyesight checked at the start of each new school year.

During adolescence, a child?s eyesight can change very quickly. Then, another shift can happen during puberty, Dr. Singh says.

?It is important to have your children?s eyes evaluated before starting school.? The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends an eye evaluation once before the age of 3 and every one to two years until the age of 19.? Dr. Singh says.

Even preschoolers should see an ophthalmologist to make sure their eyes are aligned and focusing properly, he adds.

Dr. Singh says that signs that your child might be having visual problems might become more apparent when the child?s classroom seat location changes from one year to the next. In addition, if you notice crossed eyes, lazy eyes, or drooping of the eyelid, Dr. Singh recommends you should have the child evaluated by an ophthalmologist.?

When it comes to contact lenses, Dr. Singh offers some caveats. He says high school kids can get them as long as they?re ready for the responsibility.

?Unfortunately, contact lens use can lead to severe eye infections especially if you sleep in your lenses.? Your chance of getting infection is almost 20 times higher by doing so,? he adds.? Dr. Singh says if your child plays sports and wears prescription goggles, it?s a good idea to have that prescription checked, too.

When it comes to your children?s eyes, being proactive is important and has many benefits.

More information for your eyes

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Source: http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2012/08/why-kids-need-back-to-school-eye-exams/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-kids-need-back-to-school-eye-exams

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Comments

[Whitney Williams]

Thanks for sharing this information! Do you have any recommendations for a good place to go to for eye exams in Chicago?

[jamesdouglas]

You need to get check ups, I didn't until I was a teenager and I realized I was seeing life as a big blur. It is important to check up and get an eye exam.

James | http://www.eyewearplace.com/eye_exams.html

[Maria Jose Tobar]

So when should you first take your child in for an eye exam in Edmonton (http://www.eyewearplace.com/eye_exams.html)? Before they start preschool? Is there ever a time when you'd take them earlier than that?

[Jak Manson]

When you are looking for a place that does eye exams, you want to know that they know what they are doing and that they can help you out. It was a hit and miss when I was looking for a place to go when I was looking for my eye doctor that I have now. The places that I went either did not take good care of me or they had poor services. All I know though is that the people I am with now, I would not want to go to another doctor again. They are really good at what they do and they really take care of all my needs.
Jak Manson | http://www.afecc.net