Common Questions About Pediatric Optometry

Whether you're pregnant and expecting a child for the first time, or if you already have a young child and are starting to prepare for a vision care regimen, you are bound to have some questions. Pediatric optometry can be a confusing and complicated subject to understand at first, but fortunately, it doesn't always have to be that way. Here are some of the most common questions about this industry and the answers to these questions for you to review in order to get a better understanding of the sort of care your child can receive and what you should expect to occur with their vision as they get older:

Can A Pregnant Woman's Lifestyle Affect Her Child's Vision?

Yes, the way that a woman chooses to live during her pregnancy can have either positive or negative consequences for her child's vision. If the woman leads a relatively healthy lifestyle, then the chances of her child having vision problems are rare. However, if a woman drinks during her pregnancy, it can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which can cause narrow or thin eyes, which might result in vision problems later on down the road. If a woman just doesn't take care of herself during pregnancy, then the chances of her child developing vision problems later on down the road are greater.

When Should A Child Start Having Routine Eye Exams?

Most optometrists will tell you that a child should start having routine eye exams around three to four years of age, as this is the prime time for their eyes to start developing. When you first decide to start taking your child to the eye doctor, you should explain to the child that he or she is going to get their eyes checked out, and then tell them how the process works. Let the child bring a stuffed animal or something comforting into the exam room with them so that the experience isn't traumatic for them, and so that you can start building up good rapport between the child and the optometrist. If your child starts displaying symptoms of vision trouble before age three or four, you should still get them into the doctor right away.

How Can You Tell If Your Child Is Having Vision Problems?

There are many symptoms that can indicate vision problems. If your child is squinting a lot, complaining that the light hurts them, or rubbing their eyes frequently, these may be signs that something is wrong with their vision and that they need to get in to see the optometrist. There are many other symptoms associated with vision trouble that your child may not display right away, but if you suspect something is up, you should still get them into the eye doctor as soon as possible.

Can It Really Hurt Your Child's Eyes If You Allow Them To Read In Dim Light?

No, your child will not suffer any long-term vision problems if they read in dim light. At most, their eyes will just get tired and the child might get rather sleepy as a result of reading in the dark, but they won't suddenly need glasses or contacts by doing this.

While there are many other questions that people have about pediatric optometry, these seem to be some of the most prominent issues that people wonder about. Hopefully you now have answers to your most pressing questions and will be able to make good decisions about your children's vision health now and in the future. Consult with professionals, such as those from Drs. Farson and Murray Optometrists, with any further questions.

 


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