Get Your Child’s Vision Checked

The Basics Get your child’s vision checked by age 6, even if there aren’t any signs of eye problems. It’s important for children to have their vision checked at least once by age 6, even if there aren’t any signs of eye problems.Healthy eyes and vision are very important to a child’s development. Finding and treating eye problems early on can save a child’s sight. Two common eye problems in children are:<ul><li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001014.htm" >Lazy eye (amblyopia)</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001004.htm" >Crossed eyes (strabismus)</a></li></ul>Both of these eye problems can be treated if they are found early.Eye exams are part of regular checkups. The doctor will check your child’s eyes during each checkup, beginning with your child’s first well-baby visit. Around age 3 or 4, your child will have a more complete eye exam to make sure her vision is developing normally. If there are any problems, the doctor may send your child to a special eye doctor. Is my child at risk for eye disease? If your family has a history of childhood vision problems, your child may be more likely to have eye problems. Talk to the doctor about eye problems in your family.

Take Action! Make a list of any eye problems in your family. Take that list to your child’s doctor appointment. Follow these steps to protect your child’s vision.Talk to your child’s doctor. Ask the doctor or nurse if there are any problems with your child’s vision. If the doctor recommends a visit to an eye specialist:<ul ><li>Ask your child’s doctor for the name of an eye doctor who is good with kids. <a href="http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/findprofessional.asp" >You can also use these tips to find an eye doctor</a>.</li><li>Write down any information about your child’s vision problem.</li><li><a href="http://www.preventblindness.org/helpful-tips-your-childs-eye-doctor-visit" >Plan your child’s trip to the eye doctor</a>. </li></ul>What about cost? Vision screening for kids is covered under the <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html" >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, your child may be able to get screened at no cost to you.Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s included in your plan. <a href="http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html" >For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov</a>.If you don’t have health insurance, check these Web sites for free or low-cost eye care programs for children.<ul><li><a href="http://www.sightforstudents.org/" >Sight for Students</a> </li><li><a href="http://www.aoa.org/visionusa.xml" >VISION USA</a> </li></ul>Look out for problems. Schedule an eye exam for your child if you see signs of an eye problem, like if your child’s eyes:<ul><li>Are crossed all the time</li><li>Turn out</li><li>Don’t focus together</li><li>Are red, crusted, or swollen around the eyelids</li></ul><a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/eyes/Pages/Warning-Signs-of-Vison-Problems-in-Children.aspx" >Know the warning signs of vision problems in children</a>. Protect your child’s eyes.<ul ><li>Don’t let your child play with toys that have sharp edges or points.</li><li>Keep sharp or pointed objects, like knives and scissors, away from your child.</li><li>Make sure your child wears the right eye protection for sports.</li><li>Protect your child’s eyes from the sun. Look for kids’ sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.</li></ul><a href="http://www.preventblindness.org/protecting-young-children-eye-injuries-home-and-play" >Get more tips on preventing eye accidents</a>. Help develop your child’s vision. It takes skill to match what we see with what we want to do – like when we want to bounce a ball or read a book.Here are ways to help your child develop vision skills:<ul ><li><a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/reading_toddler.html" >Read to your child</a>. As you read, let your child see what you are reading.</li><li>Play with your child using a chalkboard, finger paints, or different shaped blocks.</li><li>Take your child to the playground to climb the jungle gym and walk on the balance beam.</li><li>Play catch with your child.</li></ul>

Start Today: Small Steps <ul><li>Install safety locks on all cabinets and drawers where chemicals or sharp objects are stored.</li><li><a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/eyes/Pages/Recognizing-Vision-Problems.aspx">Know how to spot common vision problems in children</a>. </li><li>Play catch with your child.</li></ul>