Vision problems can be a hindrance for growing children, especially since 80% of learning is obtained through vision. One in four school-age children has a vision problem with no easy to detect symptoms, so it is vital to get kids to a doctor of optometry (optometrist) for comprehensive eye exams at six months of age, once between ages 2-5 and annually once they start school. Most Canadian provinces offer some form of coverage for children’s eye exams, making it easier for families to ensure their children’s vision is properly monitored.
My daughter is the only one of my four children who wears glasses, even though both my husband and I wear them. She got her first pair several years ago after seeing our optometrist for a routine appointment, and I think she was a little excited to get glasses. Her brothers were certainly jealous that she got to choose a brand new pair! I think they still have hope to get their own glasses at each optometrist visit, but so far they have maintained perfect vision.
My daughter’s vision has declined slightly at each visit. I always ask her if she notices any change in her vision, and she is never sure if there has been a change. Once you are used to seeing things a certain way, it can be hard to know what has changed. I remember when I got my first pair of glasses. I was shocked at how clear everything was when I put them on, and I had no idea that I had been missing so much. My daughter hadn’t complained of any vision problems before getting her first pair of glasses either.
Over the years, she has gone from wearing her glasses during school and to watch television, to wearing them all the time. Recently, we bought a second pair of glasses for her so that she has some fashion choices when it comes to her eyewear. Both pairs have transition lenses that become shaded in the sun to protect her eyes, and she has a pair of prescription sunglasses. I think that it is important to include eyewear in her fashion choices so that she doesn’t resent the need to wear glasses. Our next purchase is going to be some prescription goggles so that she can enjoy clear vision under water. Since October is Children’s Vision Month, it may be the perfect time to get her the prescription goggles. She can use them on our trip to Jamaica in late October. Perhaps she will see some tropical fish that she may have missed otherwise!
To ensure that your child meets his or her full potential, be sure to book an eye exam with a doctor of optometry. It is the only way to know if your child is seeing things properly.
This post has been generously sponsored by the Canadian doctors of optometry, the opinions and language are my own.
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