Eye exams are important for people of all ages, but for kids, having regular exams is critical. Even a seemingly minor vision problem can have a major impact on your child’s development, interfering with learning and social activities, too.
Many eye problems cause subtle difficulties in kids that can be tough to detect without an eye exam, leading to chronic headaches, difficulty completing schoolwork, or other symptoms. In school, some vision problems may even be mistaken for learning problems.
Of course, just because eye exams are important for kids, that doesn’t mean kids are eager to see their eye doctor. If your child hasn’t had an eye exam in the past, they may be worried about what to expect.
The team at ABC Children's Eye Specialists is experienced in providing kids with comprehensive exams that help detect eye problems while offering a calm environment to help kids relax.
Here, learn some simple ways you can help your child prepare for their upcoming exam.
Like adults, kids feel a lot less nervous about things they can understand. Take time to explain why eye exams are important for their eyes and their vision.
Let them know what to expect during every part of their visit, but keep it in simple terms: “The doctor will ask you to read letters from a special eye chart and move your eyes from side to side. They’ll also look at your eyes using a bright light.”
Look for children’s books or videos that explain the process. The National Eye Institute offers this video developed especially for kids. Seeing other kids having eye exams can go a long way toward relieving their own anxiety.
Have your child play the role of doctor while a favorite doll or stuffed animal is the patient. Your child can use a flashlight to examine their patient’s eyes and draw a simple eye chart using paper and markers or crayons. This simple game lets your child walk through the steps of the exam so they know what to expect.
Let your child know about your own positive experiences visiting the eye doctor and explain why those visits are important for keeping your eyes healthy, too. Emphasize that exams are completely painless and address your child’s specific concerns.
For example, many kids associate doctor’s visits with immunizations. If that’s one of your child’s concerns, let them know they won’t be getting any shots.
If your child has a favorite toy — a doll, stuffed animal, toy vehicle, or even a favorite blanket — let them take it along on their visit. These simple objects can provide a lot of comfort and familiarity during an unfamiliar experience.
Visiting the eye doctor is a big deal for kids, especially when it’s their first time. Plan a small reward for after your child’s appointment — visit a park, watch a movie together, or grab a special snack on the way home. Anticipating something enjoyable can take your child’s focus off their anxiety.
Kids can have a lot of the same vision problems and eye disorders as adults, and they can also have problems unique to childhood. Having regular eye exams helps spot problems early, so your child can continue to enjoy clear vision and healthy eyes.
To schedule your child’s eye exam, call our offices to book an appointment with the team at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists in Phoenix, Avondale, Mesa, and Sun City, Arizona, today.
