For parents, it’s fun to see the world through their child’s eyes—through the lens of their excitement and wonder. However, for about 10% of those under 10, 30% of those 10-13, and 37% of those 14-17, that vision can be blurry. It’s, therefore, crucial to schedule them for an eye exam annually, preferably near the beginning of the school year.

Why Should You Take Your Child for an Eye Exam?

1. You Can’t Rely on Vision Screenings

Many children receive vision screenings at school to test for sub-optimal vision. However, they are not required in the state of Arizona and aren’t always comprehensive. A school vision screening primarily tests for blurry vision. An eye exam performed by an eye doctor gives a better picture of your child’s visual capabilities while testing for potentially serious eye diseases, such as lazy eye.

2. Nearsightedness Is Becoming More Prevalent

The rate of myopia, or nearsightedness, is increasing steadily, with more children diagnosed at young ages than ever before. This may, in part, be due to the prevalence of screen devices. If your child’s problem is left undiagnosed, their vision can steadily deteriorate throughout childhood. If the condition is caught early, preventative measures can slow this progression.

3. It Can Help Them Academically

There can be many reasons that a child may be having a hard time in school. However, a straightforward explanation may be that they can’t read the whiteboard. The longer this is not addressed, the further they get behind on the material, and the more difficult it becomes for them to catch up. This can have significant long-term effects on their future. If the decline has been gradual enough, your son or daughter might not even be aware that they can’t see as well as the other kids. Therefore, it’s up to parents to be proactive.

Schedule your child’s annual eye exam at Colorado River Eye Care in Bullhead City, AZ. For more than 30 years, this skilled optometrist has been providing eye care services to Mohave County. In addition to exams and diagnosis, this one-stop optician also offers same-day service for prescription glasses to help make your visit even more convenient. Each patient’s treatment is personalized and up-to-date with the latest technology. Make your child’s appointment today by calling (928) 758-2020 or visit the website for more information on their services.