Does my child need glasses? Is there a certain age when a child should get their first pair of glasses? The need for eyeglasses depends on the fact that the child is having vision issues. According to several child eye care specialists, nearsightedness or farsightedness usually occurs between 6 and 12 months of age. Even infants will need glasses if they cannot see well.
Experts suggest that kids should be screened for vision problems before they enter school. Read on to know when is the right time to buy your glasses for your kid.
Why Do Kids Need Glasses?
Parents should consider getting an eye exam and eyeglasses when a child needs to:
- Increase vision clarity
- Provide protection if one eye is impaired
- Enhance vision in weak or amblyopic (lazy) eyes
- Improve the position of their eyes (crossed eyes or misaligned eyes)
The majority of kids who need glasses are usually prescribed them between the ages of 3-7. Children can express any vision problems they are experiencing between the ages of 3 and 7. Some children, however, may require glasses at a young or older age based on their visual needs. Regular eye examinations should begin at the age of six months in order to detect any potential vision problems early on.
Child Needs an Eye Exam and Eyeglasses When They Do the Following
It is recommended to schedule an eye exam with an eye specialist if you observe any of these signs.
Keeping One Eye Closed to See Better or Squinting
Squinting indicates that your child might have a refractive error. As a result of refractive error, the eyes are not able to focus on images as well as they should. It is possible for your child to temporarily improve their vision and focus on an object by squinting.
Holding Objects Too Close
Myopia or nearsightedness causes impaired vision when objects are at a distance. The image of an object becomes sharper and clearer when it is brought closer. Your child may be experiencing poor vision if they sit too close to the television. Or if they hold hand-held devices too close to their eyes or lower their head while reading, they might have vision problems.
Rubbing the Eyes Frequently
When your child rubs their eyes vigorously while trying to concentrate or playing, it could indicate an underlying vision problem. If your child rubs their eyes excessively, it may indicate they have eye fatigue or strain. Many types of vision problems and conditions may cause this, including allergic conjunctivitis.
Frequent Headaches
Headaches, especially after prolonged reading or screen time, indicate that child might have eye health-related issues. Your child may be overexerting the eyes to increase the focus of blurred vision if they complain about eye pain or headaches at the end of the day.
A comprehensive eye examination is an assessment of visual acuity or a child’s ability to see clearly and sharply. Get your child’s eyes checked if any of these signs are present. They can determine whether your child needs glasses and what type and strength of lenses are necessary.
Lens & Frames Optical provides top-quality prescribed kids eyeglasses. Visit Lens & Frames Optical to buy kids glasses in Cambridge, ON. Read our last blog, “What Sorts of Progressive Lenses Are Available?” to learn more about multifocal lenses.
