You can’t trust your child’s eyes to just anyone, and that’s why so many Lakeville, Minnesota, parents count on the experienced and welcoming team of eye doctors at McDonald Eye Care Associates. As a family-run practice, the optometrists understand the importance of family, and they always provide the best in pediatric eye care. Book an appointment for your child online now or call the office at (952) 469-3937 anytime for help.
Pediatric Eye Care Q & A
When does my child need to visit the eye doctor?
The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams for children at the following times.
- At 6 months old
- At 3 years old
- Prior to starting first grade
- Once every 1-2 years while in school
If your child has vision issues or is at risk for vision problems, they may need to see the eye doctor more often. Your optometrist at McDonald Eye Care Associates can recommend a schedule for your child’s individual needs.
You should also bring your child to see their eye doctor at McDonald Eye Care Associates anytime that they’re having a sudden eye issue like eye pain, blurry vision, or something stuck in their eye.
What are the signs of vision impairment in children?
Some of the vision impairment signs to watch for include:
- Squinting
- Misreading letters, for example, confusing a “b” and a “d”
- Holding books just inches from their eyes while reading
- Eye rubbing
- Covering one eye up when trying to read or look at something
Ask your child’s teachers if they’ve noted any eye problems at school, too. If there are any vision warning signs, it’s usually very simple and easy to correct the problem while your child is still young.
Does my child need vision therapy?
If your child is having eye problems or has early indicators of eye issues, vision therapy may be helpful. During vision therapy, your child can retrain their vision for improved focus, tracking, and other essential eye skills.
Is my child old enough for contacts?
This all depends on your child, their wishes, and their abilities. Some kids really want contact lenses at a young age, as early as the age of eight. However, not all kids are confident about contact insertion, removal, and care at that time.
Some young people wait until they’re teenagers for contacts, but it’s really up to you and your child. Your optometrist can advise you as to whether contacts could be a good choice right now.
Having compassionate, caring, and consistent eye care is essential at every age. Count on the McDonald Eye Care Associates team for help. Book online now or call for an appointment at your convenience.