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A regular eye exam isn't always high on the list of priorities for parents of small children, especially if there are not any distinguishable sight problems. However, it is very important for kids to get their eyesight checked on a regular basis to prevent more serious or lasting sight problems. Here are some questions you may have for the optometrist during your child's eye exam: How Often Should Kids Have an Eye Exam? How often your child needs an eye exam will depend on a variety of factors. If your child was born premature, regular checks are necessary to make sure they are developing properly since a baby's eyes are not fully developed until the end of gestation. Also, if there is a family history of problems, a child may also need to be seen by an optometrist at an early age. However, if there are no preexisting conditions, you can wait until the child is between the ages of three and five for their first optometrist visit. What About a Vision Screening at School? Many schools screen children for vision problems at least once an academic year. While a child may have passed that screening, it is still important to be seen by a doctor. These school screenings only check for minor problems. With these abbreviated exams, kids are only checked to see how well they can see generally and whether or not it will dramatically affect their school performance. However, students are not thoroughly examined for all potential sight problems. An optometrist will scrupulously check for everything, including the overall health of their eyes. What Will Happen if Vision Therapy is Needed? Vision therapy is a program of eye exercises kids may need if they have been diagnosed with a specific problem. These therapies are meant to strengthen nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, lazy eye, focus problems, and other vision issues. You can aid your child in completing these exercises on a daily basis to help them overcome these issues and help strengthen their sight. If it is determined more than just therapy is needed, your optometrist will discuss other options with you, which could include surgical procedures. Having your child's sight checked regularly is something that should always be included on an annual list of checkups. Yearly exams are important, especially for kids who are of school age and already exhibiting problems with regular schoolwork. Through continued monitoring and use of vision therapy methods, every child can lead a healthy, normal life. When a child is in need of an eye exam, Stoneham, MA parents trust http://alexeyemd.com.
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