As a parent, you are many things to your children. You are their provider, their nurturer, their teacher, and their coach. You are the first to notice when they come down with a cold. You are the first to see them every day, but would you notice if they weren't seeing you?
Signs and Symptoms
Most vision deficiencies develop slowly over time. It would be very obvious if your child suddenly woke up one day and said, “Mommy, I can't see.” Usually this is not the situation. Your child may not even realize that they have ocular issues. However, if anyone else in the immediately family wears glasses, there is a good chance your child could one day need them as well.
Children develop and learn much more quickly than adults. Therefore, they are very good at coping with visual deficits. That's why it can be so hard to identify their problems! However, if you notice that your child has frequent headaches, stumbles often or pours milk in the “other glass,” they may need to see an optometrist.
Make an Appointment
Luckily, the eye doctor is a very cool place for kids. They'll be seated in a high chair and get to look through some really cool goggles. Chances are they'll find the sight chart absolutely intriguing.
A licensed optometrist should be able to identify a corrective prescription for your child that will prevent their vision issues from progressing, and possibly even cure them. This can save your child from a number of learning problems. Among these issues are missing out on their lessons, simply because they can't see the board, or reading makes their head hurt. When words are blurry, it can be especially hard to focus on their meanings. Vision problems can even have an effect on their attendance, also a complication of headaches.
The End Result
It's quick and easy to get children diagnosed. Most likely your insurance will cover your child's prescription, and usually it can be filled in office. You can expect a technician to measure your child for glasses after their appointment. Then, your child can pick their own frames. That should be exciting! You can even get rubber frames for very small children to prevent expensive breaks.
Within seven days you should be able to pick up your child's new glasses. Then, they'll be back to feeling, reading, and learning better instantly.