When it comes to a child’s health and development, eye care is a sometimes overlooked area. While you might associate poor vision with age, many eye conditions present during early childhood and must be treated accordingly. Below, the local specialists from Wing Eyecare in Miamisburg, OH, are discussing the importance of pediatric eye exams and eye care.

Time-Sensitive Eye Conditions

There are certain eye conditions that present in childhood that must be treated early. One condition in particular is amblyopia. Sometimes referred to as “lazy eye,” this eye disorder causes poor or underdeveloped vision in one eye. Without treatment, the condition becomes refractive, meaning the brain stops utilizing the eye with poor vision and only uses the better eye. This can cause significant vision challenges in adulthood, like problems with depth perception and peripheral vision. Treatment typically includes eye-patching the good eye so that the weaker eye develops as much as it can. But, after about age nine, this condition can no longer be treated.

Genetic Vision Problems

If poor vision runs in the family, detecting it early during childhood offers a better quality of life for your child. Nearsightedness typically occurs between the ages of 8 to 15, and without glasses, it can make it difficult to see distant objects. Likewise, some cases of farsightedness can cause crossing of the eyes, called accommodative esotropia. Conditions like these significantly benefit from eyeglasses, and eye exams will help you stay on top of your child’s eye care needs.

Enhance Learning & Activities

The majority of learning is processed through vision. When children can’t see well, they will have a very hard time following along in class, even when sitting in the front row. Having poor vision in childhood can also prevent them from performing well in sports or cause them to avoid extracurricular activities altogether. Taking your child to the eye doctor regularly will ensure they’re able to get the most out of learning during these crucial years.

For pediatric eye care in the Miamisburg, OH, area, reach out to the experts at Wing Eyecare. They provide a wide range of vision services for the whole family, including eye exams and getting fitted for contact lenses or eyeglasses. Visit them online for more information, or call them at (937) 247-2000 to schedule an appointment.