PEDIATRICS
Children suffering from uncorrected vision problems may face many barriers in life socially, academically, and athletically. Make sure your child’s vision is developing normally.
We do focus on comprehensive eye exams for children. During the exam, our doctor will put your child at ease with tests that are easy going, and fun! At the end of the exam, we will discuss all of the findings and treatments that your child might need, whether it’s a new pair of glasses or a referral for vision therapy.
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Further recommendations for children include additional eye exams at 3 years of age, and again before kindergarten or first grade, around age 5 or 6.
For school-aged children, the AOA recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually or according to their eye doctor’s recommendations.
Early eye exams also are important because children need the following basic visual skills for learning:
- Near vision
- Distance vision
- Eye teaming (binocularity) skills
- Eye movement skills
- Focusing skills
- Peripheral awareness
- Eye / hand coordination
Because of the importance of good vision for learning, some states require an eye exam for all children entering school for the first time.
Myopia Management
Myopia or nearsightedness is a growing epidemic. High amounts of nearsightedness can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, macular degeneration and/or a retinal detachment. That is why it is important to reduce myopia at an early age. Myopia Management is a treatment program that helps slow down the progression of nearsightedness. MiSight and multifocal contact lenses and atropine are a few options offered at Karwoski Family Vision. Our doctor will determine what the best option would be for your child.
Amblyopia Management (“Lazy Eye”)
Amblyopia is a condition where one or both eyes are not able to be corrected with glasses to 20/20. Eyesight is decreased due to abnormal visual development. This condition occurs in early childhood. The nerve pathways between the brain and the eye aren’t properly stimulated so the brain ends up favoring one eye over the eye. If caught on time, vision can be restored either with glasses and/or patching. Karwoski Family Vision can help with the proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
