Did you know that one in four children has a vision problem? That statistic may surprise you, but it’s true. And if left untreated, those vision problems can lead to difficulties in school and in life. That’s why it’s so important for parents to make sure their children receive regular eye exams.

Children can experience eye health and vision problems but are often unable to communicate them to parents and caregivers. A children’s eye exam is essential to detect these issues early in a child’s life and get the proper care before problems advance.

A vision screening at school is not the same as a pediatric eye exam. Vision screenings do not check for all the vision problems which can affect children.

We offer children’s eye care services at Ascension Optical. Our qualified eye doctors can thoroughly examine, diagnose, and treat the eye health needs of children.

Benefits of a Pediatric Eye Doctor in Gonzales, LA

A pediatric eye doctor in Gonzales, LA offers numerous benefits for children and their families. Our specialized doctors are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions specific to children, including amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive errors. By seeking the expertise of a pediatric eye doctor, parents can ensure that their child’s vision is properly monitored and any potential issues are addressed early on. Additionally, pediatric eye doctors are skilled in communicating with young patients, making the experience of visiting the eye doctor less intimidating and more comfortable for children. Overall, a pediatric eye doctor in Gonzales, LA provides essential care and support for children’s eye health, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and development.

When should babies have their first eye exam?

According to the American Optometric Association, babies should have their first eye exam at around six months of age, even if there are no obvious eye health or vision problems. Our doctors participate in InfantSEE®, a public health program through which we offer no-cost comprehensive eye exams for infants between the ages of six months and one year.

How often should children get an eye exam?

After the initial visit as an infant, children should have an eye exam between 2–3 years of age and then another exam before they start school. After a child starts school, they should have an annual pediatric eye exam unless otherwise recommended based on their eye health and vision needs.

Eye exams can help identify potential learning issues early on. If your child is having trouble seeing the blackboard or reading their textbooks, it could be a sign that they need glasses. And if that’s the case, getting them fitted for glasses as soon as possible is crucial. The sooner they can see clearly, the sooner they’ll be able to catch up in school and reach their full potential.

Eye exams can also help detect more serious conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). If left untreated, these conditions can cause permanent vision problems. But with early detection and treatment, most children with these conditions will go on to lead normal, healthy lives.

What are the signs of a vision problem in children?

Because children are not always able to effectively communicate about their vision difficulties, eye health problems can be difficult to detect. If left unchecked, these problems can be progressive and may negatively impact your child’s life as they grow up. It is important for your child to see an eye doctor regularly for pediatric eye exams, particularly if you suspect he or she may be struggling with vision problems.

Signs your child should see a pediatric optometrist:

• Frequent blinking, squinting, or irregular eye movements
• Frequently turning or tilting their head
• Covering or closing one eye to see better
• Poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills
• Rubbing their eyes frequently
• Frequent headaches
• Leaning in too close to see something or read
• Learning difficulties and poor handwriting

These behaviors may indicate that your child has a vision or eye health problem. Take your child to a pediatric optometrist to determine the cause and possible treatment options. We encourage you not to wait. Delaying care may cause your child more serious or even permanent damage, depending on the condition.

Pediatric eye exams at Ascension Optical in Gonzales, LA

The pediatric eye exams we offer at Ascension Optical will detect eye defects and vision impairment while also assessing your child’s risk for developing eye conditions later in life. Only taking a child to an eye doctor if a problem is apparent is a common mistake. Waiting could worsen the issue. We encourage parents to be proactive and get their child’s eyes checked regularly. An early diagnosis of a problem could decrease the risk for potential eye health complications later in their life and improve their quality of life overall.

Contact us today to set up your child’s eye exam with our optometrists.