5 Vision Red Flags & Reasons to Book Your Children’s Eye Exam

For children, just as their height, skills, and personality evolves as they age — so does their eyes. Vision changes occur naturally, their eyes grow along with their bodies, which is why it’s important to book your children’s eye exam yearly until age 18.

As children progress throughout their education, the demands on their visual system increases year-over-year. For example, the font size in textbooks becomes smaller and the amount of time spent reading and studying increases significantly. This increased volume of homework puts a significant workload on their eyes, and children depend on their vision to function properly so they can learn efficiently and excel.

Proof Comprehensive Children’s Eye Exams are Important

It’s not just the obvious signs of vision issues in children such as difficulty reading a blackboard or squinting, the not-so-obvious signs can often be misidentified as behavioral problems or learning disabilities. Imagine if just by visiting an optometrist near you for a yearly comprehensive children’s eye exam, you can provide them with clear and comfortable vision needed to meet the demands of school and enjoy the highest quality of life.

A yearly children’s eye exam is important because it:

• Allows your child to perform better at school activities
• Helps find conditions such as lazy eye, which can be treated effectively, if caught early
• Ensures normal vision development
• Detects and prevents progression of vision issues
• Ensures good eyesight which is essential for all aspects of life such as reading, writing, playing, and walking

Why trust our advice? Dr. Shaun Pati has been voted “Top 3 Pediatric Optometrist in Burnaby” four years in a row, and it’s not by luck. Family-first, patient-centered care is his passion.

That’s why it’s important to get ahead of your back-to-school to-do lists and book an appointment with your Burnaby eye doctor. Real Eyes Optometry makes it easy for parents with our online booking system.. We’re centrally located in Metrotown Mall. 

Top 3 Vision Red Flags Requiring a Children’s Eye Exam

 1. Eye Appearance

While these symptoms on their own, or even collectively, may not seem concerning, our eyes are one of the most complex organs in our body and often show signs of other health concerns. If your child is displaying any or all of the following, it’s time to contact your optometrist for your children’s eye exam:

• One eye turns in, out, up or down at any time
• Reddened eyes or eyelids
• Eyes tear excessively
• Excessive blinking

Regular Children’s Eye Exams Help Prevent Vision Issues

Did you know 75% of vision loss can be treated or prevented? Below are top vision issues children can develop.

2. Behavioral Signs of Visual Problems

Behavioral changes are often the child’s way of coping with a vision issue. A child isn’t likely to tell you or a teacher that they are experiencing a vision problem as they may believe the way they see is the way everyone else sees. Watch out for any of the following behavioural signs that could indicate a vision problem and would prompt an eye exam:

3. Developmental Concerns

Vision is vital in our ability to understand and respond to what we see. Healthy vision is more than just seeing clearly, visual skills like tracking a moving object or the ability to shift focus from distance to near objects are important in supporting academic success.

For example, if your child is having difficulty recognizing colors, learning letters or numbers, a comprehensive children’s eye examination will help rule out a vision problem.

Peace of Mind with Burnaby’s Top Children’s Eye Exam

If you are looking to book a pediatric eye exam or trying to find a new eye doctor great with kids, it is a personal choice that needs to work long-term for you and your family. You can bring your entire family to Real Eyes Optometry with confidence. Our optometrist is highlighted on Three Best Rated and has been awarded the Top 3 Pediatric Optometrist for the 4th year in a row.