It’s easy to underestimate the importance of quality vision care for kids. After all, while more than 90% of people over 50—and virtually 100% of people over 75—need corrective eyewear, less than 20% of children between four and 12 years old use visual aids. This doesn’t change the fact that all kids can benefit from comprehensive vision care, though. By staying proactive, parents can ensure treatment for minor issues before they cause major damage. 

Vision Problems That Commonly Affect Children 

Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” is one of the most common vision problems among kids. This condition refers to poor vision in one eye, and it can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Treatment for amblyopia is most effective if it begins before the child turns 8. 

Strabismus, on the other hand, is characterized by misaligned eyes. If the same eye is always misaligned, it may also develop amblyopia. Effective interventions include corrective eyewear and surgery. 

Children are also vulnerable to the same refractive errors that plague adults. Examples include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. All of these conditions can be managed with corrective eyewear. 

Signs Your Child Should Visit an Eye Doctor

If your child has a vision problem, it can affect virtually all aspects of their life. The warning signs may be most apparent when it comes to schoolwork, though. If your son or daughter is unable to follow along during class, for example, and subsequently has no idea how to do the homework, it may be because he or she can’t see the board. 

Children with vision issues will also have poor hand-eye coordination. In other words, you may not notice anything’s wrong until your child gets out on the field. Regardless of the specific signs, though, it’s wise to bring your kids to an eye doctor as soon as possible if you suspect any problems. Otherwise, he or she is only going to fall further behind their peers in both academic and athletic settings. 

If you suspect your child has a vision problem, turn to Dr. L R Gabe in Show Low, AZ. This knowledgeable eye doctor has more than four decades of experience in the field of optometry, and his friendly team will make your child feel at ease from the moment they enter the office. To schedule an eye exam at this full-service vision care center, call (928) 537-5565. Visit the website to learn more about their offerings.