| Your Child's Eyes: Get Them Checked Early and Often
Vision experts say children should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age. Despite that recommendation, more than 85 percent of America's 20 million children age 5 and under have never had an eye exam, according to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.
Dr. Pegueros recommends that parents schedule eye exams for their children at three important points during their early development:
When the infant is about 6 months old. This exam should be performed by an optometrist who specializes in treating young children or by a pediatric ophthalmologist. During this initial check, the doctor makes sure the eyes are working well together and that they're free of rarely occurring but significant defects — such as cataracts and tumors — that could threaten the child's vision.
Between the ages of 2 and 3, before the child enters preschool. During this eye exam, the doctor looks for signs of developmental disorders, including "lazy eye," crossed eyes (strabismus), nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism — which triggers difficulties in focusing. If the doctor finds an irregularity, effective therapies can usually begin immediately, often sparing the child from wearing corrective devices (such as an eye patch) during later years.
Before the child enters kindergarten. At this point, the eye doctor tests for sharpness of vision and corrects deficiencies by prescribing glasses.
Says Dr. Pegueros: "The great thing about early exams is that we can often start working on problems before they interfere significantly with the child's eyesight — and especially with learning and development!" |
Testimonials.
Dr. Pegueros, my experience was incredible! Much better than I could have imagined. Results were excellent.
Each and every person I came in contact with made me feel special and cared for.
- G.S. age 35, male.
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