Back-to-School Eye Health What parents need to know about children's eye health (RxWiki News) Parents are always on the lookout for their children's health, from diet and exercise to vaccines and fevers. But sometimes, it's easy to forget the health concerns that are right in front of your eyes. It's important to take some time to make sure their eye and vision health needs are covered. Here's what you need to know. Does My Child Need an Eye Exam? According to the American Optometric Association, the answer is yes. Vision can change quickly for children. And if their vision gets worse, they can start to have trouble in school and sports. The good news is that most vision problems in children can easily be corrected with prescription glasses. How Often Should a Child Have Their Eyes Checked? Getting your child's vision checked each year before school starts is a good idea, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This is in line with recommendations from the American Optometric Association. However, even if school has already started, it's not too late to schedule an eye exam. The reasoning behind the back-to-school eye exam recommendation is simply to catch any vision problems before your child begins the school year, where they will need to be able to see and focus well. Health officials recommend having children's eyes checked at least once before they turn 3 years old. Then, they should have a routine eye exam every one to two years until the age of 19. What Are the Signs of Vision Problems in Kids? A doctor can quickly detect vision problems in children during routine eye exams, but parents may be able to see some signs before the exam. Lazy eyes, crossed eyes and drooping eyelids are signs of potential vision problems that are relatively easy to spot. But there are some smaller signs to look out for, too: Excessive blinking, squinting or tearing of the eyes when your child is trying to see something Delays in reading development Complaints of discomfort in the classroom or similar settings Tilting of the head to one side Headaches Rubbing the eyes frequently Covering one eye when trying to see something If you notice any of these issues or have any other concerns about your child's vision, reach out to your child's health care provider. Conditions: Pediatrics Reviewed by: Beth Bolt, RPh Review Date: August 13, 2021 Citation: Cleveland Clinic, "Do Kids Need Back to School Eye Exams?" American Optometric Association, "School-Aged Vision: 6 to 18 Years of Age" Image Courtesy of Famveldman | Dreamstime Last Updated: November 5, 2021 Source: http://www.rxwiki.com/news-article/what-parents-need-know-about-childrens-eye-health NEWS FEATURES SLIDESHOWS Medicines and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Shingles: What You Need to Know Back Pain Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move. It can start quickly if you fall or lift something too heavy, or it can get worse slowly. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually last... Read More More about Back Pain Symptoms Diagnosis Treatments Causes Living With Related Conditions: Back PainGlaucomaCataractsWhooping CoughChickenpoxDown SyndromeFemale Orgasmic DisorderWomens HealthSexual HealthAnorgasmia Medications: ImipramineOaklideViadurTofranil-PMTofranilBayer Back and Body PainPep-BackExcedrin Back & BodyBromfenacVerteporfin Find a Pharmacy Health News Medications Conditions RxCoupons Mobile App Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Services Franchise About © 2020 Digital Pharmacist Inc.