Healthy Eyes, Happy Kids
Eye Exams and Vision Care For Children
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Vision Health
Every parent wants the best for their child, and ensuring their vision is healthy is a crucial part of their overall well-being. At Midwest Eye Associates, we understand the importance of pediatric eye care and are committed to providing compassionate eye exams for children of all ages.
From the youngest infants to active school-aged kids, we aim to help your child see clearly.
Why Your Child Needs Regular Eye Exams
Children's eyes develop rapidly, and early detection of vision problems is essential for their overall development. Regular eye exams ensure any issues are identified and treated early, preventing potential learning difficulties.
Healthy vision is vital for social interaction, academic success, and overall growth, making early and regular eye exams essential to your child's healthcare.
Common Vision Problems in Children
Children can experience a variety of vision issues, including:
- Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Reduced vision in one eye due to misalignment or prescription differences.
- Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Misalignment of the eyes, which can affect depth perception and lead to amblyopia.
- Refractive Errors: Conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism that require corrective lenses.
- Convergence Insufficiency: Difficulty in coordinating both eyes to focus on a close object.
- Color Vision Deficiency: Difficulty distinguishing certain colors.
Age-Appropriate Care for Optimal Vision Health
Exams for Newborns to Toddlers
During the first two years of life, comprehensive eye exams are crucial for detecting:
- Congenital Eye Conditions: Such as cataracts or glaucoma, which can affect vision from birth.
- Alignment Issues: Ensuring both eyes are working together properly.
- Refractive Errors: Early detection of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
These exams help ensure your baby's visual development is on track and identify any issues that may need early intervention.
Vision Check-Ups for Ages 2 to 5
For preschool-aged children, eye exams focus on:
- Visual Acuity: Checking how well your child can see at different distances.
- Binocular Vision: Ensuring both eyes work together for proper depth perception.
- Eye Tracking and Focusing: Assessing how well your child’s eyes follow moving objects and focus on different distances.
Detecting and treating vision issues at this age is crucial for preparing your child for school and everyday activities.
Eye Exams for Ages 6 to 18
As children grow, their vision needs change. Eye exams for school-aged kids include:
- Visual Acuity: Ensuring clear vision for reading, writing, and classroom activities.
- Refractive Errors: Updating prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses as needed.
- Eye Health: Screening for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal issues.
Regular eye exams help prevent academic struggles related to poor vision and ensure your child can participate fully in activities.
Signs of Vision Problems in Children to Look Out For
Parents should watch for signs of vision problems, such as:
- Squinting or tilting the head
- Sitting too close to screens
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Complaints of headaches or eye pain
- Difficulty reading, skipping lines, or losing place
- Poor school performance
- Avoiding near-work activities
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an eye exam for your child at Midwest Eye Associates.
Pediatric Eye Exams in The St. Louis Area
Our eye exams are thorough and child-friendly. Here’s what you can expect:
- Patient History Review: We discuss your child’s medical history and any vision concerns.
- Visual Acuity Test: Assessing how well your child sees at different distances.
- Eye Alignment and Binocular Vision: Ensuring both eyes work together properly.
- Refractive Error Testing: Determining if corrective lenses are needed.
- Eye Health Examination: Checking for any signs of eye disease or abnormalities.
Our compassionate and experienced eye doctors ensure each visit is comfortable and stress-free for both you and your child.
Schedule an eye exam with Midwest Eye Associates to ensure their vision is clear and healthy. Our friendly staff is here to provide the best care in a welcoming environment.