Young children with vision problems often are not aware that the world is different from the way they see it.  They may never have seen clearly, and have no way of knowing their vision is not normal.

Visual problems are treated more successfully during the growth and development of a child's visual system.  By the time children reach school age, their visual system has completed its development, so a pediatric preventative eye exam is a benefit to every child.

The Better Vision Institute says there's no substitute for an annual eye exam for your child by a qualified eye care professional.

Here's a tip: Machines in any doctor's office can be intimidating.  Take your child with you to sit in during your eye exam.  Then you can sit with your child as he/she has his/her eyes examined.

School Eye Exams

In school vision screenings, the "Big E" eye chart is used.  However, this test can tell you whether a child can see the chalkboard, but not whether he or she can see to read a book.

Vision problems can explain learning difficulties or a child's dislike of reading.  80% of a child's learning in his/her first 12 years comes through the eyes.

Here are some tell-tale signs your child may have a vision problem:

• Squinting, closing, or covering one eye
• Excessive blinking or rubbing of the eye
• Dislike or avoidance of close work
• Short attention span or frequent day dreaming
• Holding a book too close or frequently losing his/her place while reading
• Complaints of headache, nausea, dizziness; excessive clumsiness
• Turning or tilting the head to one side

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