ML Interest Tag: eye-exam

3 Things You Can Do Now to Make Back to School Less Stressful

by Amber Guetebier
Partner Content

The back-to-school season can be one of the most hectic times of any family’s year. Sliding off of summer and into a new routine doesn’t come easy, and the list of what you need to do and buy can even seem overwhelming. Set yourself up for success by working ahead. Here are three easy things you can start now that will take a little of the back-to-school stress off your back. 

Buy Supplies Gradually

Back-to-school time can put a dent in your household budget in a hurry. While you may not know your child’s exact classroom supply list or shoe size (they grow so fast) months in advance, there are certain things you know that you buy every year. Get a bin and label it “Back to School 2022-23” and buy a few things here and there. 

Think about things big and small, such as: 

No. 2 Pencils; sandwich bags; a backpack; socks; a lunchbox; crayons, markers or colored pencils; teacher gifts; hand sanitizer; tissues.

Book Appointments Early

Most kids get a physical once a year near their birthday but before school starts there are a handful of appointments you will want to have lined up in advance for the month or two before the first day, including vaccines, dental exams and eye exams. 

One big reason to schedule your child’s eye exam: Myopia, whose primary symptom is blurry distance vision, is on the rise—in both frequency and severity.1 Earlier detection means earlier treatment. MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are the first and only soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.2† Practicing during the summer will give your little one time to prepare for putting in their contacts during the school year, but in a clinical study, MiSight® 1 day was easy for children to remove from the start: 97% found lens removal easy at one week, improving to 100% by one month!³

Practice Your Route

Whether you’re going to drive every day, take the bus or they will be walking, familiarize your kids, and yourself, with the route to school. This can be especially critical if changing schools, such as the leap from preschool to elementary or elementary to middle school. 

If you’re going to walk: Use it as an excuse to do a family stroll. It doesn’t matter what day or time you walk, at first it’s just about getting used to the things you’ll see. Talk about landmarks and observe things that will make the children see it as a pleasurable experience. As you get even closer to back-to-school time, start the walk closer to the actual commute time to adjust to the soon-to-be routine. 

If you’re driving: Start driving the route now and again for fun. Pick out songs that will be morning and afternoon commute songs. Hand the kids a stopwatch and have them time the route. Talk about the things you see outside, and how they change over the seasons. 

If they’re taking the bus: If it’s possible, try to drive the bus route. Make it a regular activity, and again, ask the kids what they see out the window. Say things like, “When you’re on the school bus, what will you see at this corner?” This can help reduce anxiety when they actually get on the bus. Pretend to be the driver and enforce bus rules. 

If you don’t have access to a car, pretend-play the bus scenario. Even if your children have taken the bus before, acting out the school bus trip can be an anxiety-reducing activity to throw in the mix a few times over the spring and summer before the next school year. Take turns being the driver, put on backpacks and play-act climbing on the bus. Make a game of it! 

Of course, going back to school will be different for each child, but whenever possible it will benefit everyone to think ahead in terms of what you need physically, and mentally, to be prepared for a brand new year. 

—Amber Guetebier

RELATED STORIES 

How Scheduling “Worry Time” Can Help Combat Anxiety in Kids

If Your Kids are Anxious about Back to School & How to Help

How You Can Help Your Kids Thrive This School Year

 

Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
1 4 Holden BA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.
2 Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
³ Children new to contact lens wear aged 8-12 Sulley A et al, Wearer experience and subjective responses with dual focus compared to spherical, single vision soft contact lenses in children during a 3-year clinical trial. AAO 2019 Poster Presentation

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10 Ways to Help Boost Your Kid’s Confidence

by Amber Guetebier
Partner Content

Your kids are the light of your life, so it can be hard to imagine that your amazing, beautiful, vibrant kiddo might have low self-esteem. Raising a confident child can be hard, but there are a few tactics seasoned parents use to instill a strong sense of self-worth in their kids from a young age. We know that no two children are alike, and there is no one-size-fits-all for parenting. We hope this list helps you pick and choose what works for your kiddos. 

1. Model Self-Acceptance

If ever there’s a time to silence your inner critic, it’s in front of children. Kids are sponges and they absorb all of the things we do and say in front of them. In other words, if you don’t want your kids standing in front of a mirror saying their stomach is poochy, don’t do it to yourself. And this doesn’t just apply to physical appearance. Praise yourself once in a while in front of them, with real-life, concrete examples: “I got ready so fast today I was early to work,” or “I really had a great solution at work today, and I am so proud of me.” 

2. Help Them Find Their Thing

Encouraging your child to find an activity they really enjoy and can gradually improve at is great for confidence. Anything with measurable improvements, such as a physical sport or a musical instrument, can provide clear examples of how something that is hard can become easier with practice. Experiment with trial and error (see letting your kids fail below). It can take a child a while to find “their thing” and that thing can change with age. 

3. And Encourage Them to Stick With It

There’s a difference between something that's painfully difficult and anxiety-inducing and something that is hard. While you don’t want to force your children to do something that negatively affects their mental health, encouraging them to work at it even when it doesn’t come easy will lead to a feeling of great accomplishment. 

And even if something isn’t a fit now, they can always try again. For example, your child might struggle to get through a piano lesson at age 5 but love it when they try again at age 10. 

4. Listen to Them 

Even if you want your child to keep at something, let them express their feelings about it honestly, and tell them you hear them. As the parent, you can evaluate if this is a situation in which they want to give up because they are feeling discouraged, or if it’s something bigger or potentially dangerous, and act accordingly—but in the moment, let your child be honest and acknowledge their feelings. Tell them you will come up with a solution together. Knowing they are heard means they know their opinion is valuable.

This can also be enforced in something as simple as dinner conversation. Let your child have the floor, and don't interrupt when it's their turn, just as you wouldn't want them interrupting you.

5. Get an Eye Exam

You might not think eyesight and confidence are connected, but it’s not uncommon for children to have vision problems before their parents notice. Not being able to properly see the board, screen or other teaching materials at school can make kids feel like they are “not getting it” or add to confusion. For very young children, they may not even know why they are feeling this way, which can lead to frustration.

In addition, if your child is having trouble concentrating at school, struggling with concepts or seems disinterested, especially if this is a new behavior, it could be a sign of eye problems. More than 40 percent of Americans have myopia¹, and in North America, the prevalence of myopia is expected to increase to 58% by the year 2050.² MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are the first and only soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.³† And, after using MiSight® 1 day contact lenses for three years, 90% of age-appropriate children still strongly preferred them over their glasses.⁴

6. Let Your Kids Take Risks 

This one can be incredibly hard for parents and caregivers because our instinct is to protect our children. Naturally, we’re not talking about risky or dangerous behavior, but there are everyday risks that may seem small to grown-ups but are a big deal to kids. Being able to pour their own milk, even if there’s a risk of major spilling involved, is just one example. The milk doesn’t spill: they are proud of themselves. The milk does spill: they need to find a solution to clean it up.  

7. Give Them Responsibilities

Allow your children to contribute to the household with age-appropriate chores and responsibilities. This will not only help you, but it will let them know you believe they can do it. 

Offering specific, meaningful praise will give them even more confidence, plus the desire to keep up with those responsibilities. From telling a 3-year-old “I like how you quickly you cleaned up your toys,” to playfully reminding your tween, “I believe in your ability to fold laundry!” keep the examples relevant to the job at hand. 

8. Let Them Fail 

We won’t lie: it can be devastating to watch your child fail, especially when it is something they have their heart set on. This one can be incredibly hard for parents and caregivers because our instinct is to protect our children. 

Auditioning for a school play, trying out for a team, talking to a new person at school, even taking an exam are all healthy risks that can come with big rewards, but they can also come with failure. And as hard as it is to hold a crying child who wanted to make the team, the resilience it builds will go a long way when facing tougher stuff as adults.

Another example of letting them fail ties in with personal responsibility. Yes, you want your kids to get good grades and do well at school, but if they don’t do their project on time, they will face the consequences. Failing to do a good job can encourage them to be motivated to not fail again. 

9. Arrange a Physical 

You’re a pro at the well-baby checks, but every year when your child gets their physical, it isn’t just about their growth chart. Confident kids know that their body is their own. Particularly as children advance to tween years, having a safe place with a trusted adult outside the home to talk about any health concerns, mentally and physically, will give them a sense of control over their own bodies.

10. Accept Imperfection

It's okay if they put their clothes away lopsided or their handwriting isn't great. Practice may not make perfect, but it will make improvements. Instead of stressing about little everyday imperfections, in yourself, your life and your kids, leave the dishes in the sink, the flyaway hair flying and go outside and play. Yes, we mean you, parents!

—Amber Guetebier

RELATED STORIES 

15 Books to Encourage Confidence in Kids

Has Pandemic Parenting Shaken Your Confidence? Here’s How to Find It Again

How I’m Teaching My Son to Be Confident in Himself—& Why It Matters

30 Things Kids Need to Hear on the Regular

 

Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
¹ Vitale S, Sperduto RD, Ferris FL 3rd. Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(12):1632-1639. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2009.303
² Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-1042. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.01.006
³ Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
⁴ Sulley A et al. Wearer experience and subjective responses with dual focus compared to spherical, single vision soft contact lenses in children during a 3-year clinical trial. AAO 2019 Poster Presentation.

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6 Common Signs Your Child Is Experiencing Vision Problems

by Katie Lineberger
Partner Content

Children have a language all their own, which doesn’t always include the words to express if there is a more significant medical issue at play. When it comes to vision, your child might not realize that they aren’t “seeing well.” In children, it is much more common for vision problems to manifest in small ways. If you’re wondering if your child is experiencing vision issues, check out these six common signs.

Research shows that insufficient time spent outdoors and prolonged time spent reading, playing or working with digital devices and poor lighting may influence the development of myopia.1-3

Myopia, if you didn’t know, is when you experience blurry distance vision largely because the eye is longer than it should be. Plus, genetics and environmental factors influence myopia’s progression.4 Myopia requires ongoing monitoring because myopia can get worse as a child grows. In addition to updating their eye prescription, it can lead to long-term eye health impacts such as retinal detachment, maculopathy or glaucoma.5,6

Good news for parents: MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†7

1. They Avoid Reading

Your little bookworm isn’t as interested in reading, and it’s not just the summer slide. If you have a child who normally can’t get enough of their favorite books and now appears disinterested, it could be because reading is uncomfortable due to eye focusing or eye teaming challenges.

2. They Move Closer to Things to See Well

If a child is experiencing myopia—whose primary symptom is blurry distance vision—this could manifest as moving closer to the TV or not being able to recognize faces or see signs from afar.

3. They Seem to Understand the School Concepts but Still Struggle to Keep Up, Especially with in-School Work or Projects

If your child’s teacher lets you know they are not keeping up in class, it might not be because they don’t understand the concepts. It can simply be that they cannot see the work or the teacher’s written explanation clearly. For some children, textbooks, worksheets and computer screens can look blurry, making it difficult to read. This can be because of their prescription or struggling to change focus.

4. They Seem Extra or Easily Frustrated

Any and all of the above can lead to feelings of frustration and low self-esteem in children, which can manifest in ways that aren’t necessarily related to school. If your otherwise pleasant child is now a nightmare at dinner time or flies off the handle at the slightest critique, it may be a sign that a bigger issue is at play. (It may also be a sign you have tweenager!)

5. They Squint!

While making a squishy little face can be cute, if your child is doing this frequently, especially if you’re holding something up for them to see, this is a sign that they are having trouble seeing objects at a distance.

6. Poor Hand-Eye Coordination

If there’s a marked decline in your child’s hand-eye coordination, especially noticeable in sports, playing musical instruments or other hands-on activities, it could mean they are experiencing vision problems.

If your child is struggling with a number of these common signs, it might be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye care professional near you. During the appointment you can discuss if MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are right for them. They’re designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†7

RX Only

Results May Vary.

ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indications: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually-demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.

† Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.

References:

  1. Gifford P, Gifford, K L. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lenses. Opt Vis Sci. 2016;93(4):336-43
  2. Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology 2008;115(8):1279-85.
  3. Wolffsohn JS, Calossi A, Cho P, et al. Global Trends in Myopia Management Attitudes and Strategies in ClinicalPractice. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2016;39(2):106-16.
  4. Morgan P. Is Myopia Control the Next Contact Lens Revolution? OPTICIAN 2016
  5. Xu L, Wang Y, Wang S, Wang Y Jonas JB. ‘High Myopia and Glaucoma Susceptibility: The Beijing Eye Study. Ophthalmology, 2007;114(2):216-20.
  6. Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical, and environmental factors in myopia aetiology Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660.
  7. Chamberlain P et al A 3-year Randomized Clinical Trial of MiSight Lenses for Myopia Control. Optom Vis Sci 2019;96:556-567

 

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The One Back-to-School Appointment You Should Not Skip This Year

by Katie Lineberger
Partner Content

You’ve picked out a new backpack and finally got them to sit still for that back-to-school haircut. Whether your children are taking on the 2021-22 school year in person, online or both, they’re going to need a comprehensive eye exam. Read on to find out why you shouldn’t skip this critical step in getting your little scholars ready for the new school year.

Did you know that myopia, whose primary symptom is blurred distance vision, is on the rise—in its frequency and its severity?1 As your child grows, their myopia is likely to get worse over time, and can further impact their future eye health. Help is now available. MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are specifically designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow myopia progression in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment!†2

Good Vision Is Vital for Learning

Children who suffer from vision problems will often struggle in school. Sometimes you’ll notice they avoid reading or have trouble seeing the whiteboard or materials the teacher uses. Sometimes, their vision issues can even interfere with their extracurricular activities, like sports. So frustrating—imagine if you couldn’t see what everyone else could and you didn’t even realize it! Diagnosing a child with a vision condition early on is critical to their overall developmental success.

Early Diagnosis Is Key

Myopia, often referred to as nearsightedness, can result in the inability to see objects clearly at a distance, like the whiteboard at school. It often worsens during a child's growing years. But myopia is more than just not being able to see well. It can increase the risk of serious eye health complications and sight-threatening conditions later in life, such as risk for retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and glaucoma.3-4

Prescriptions Can Change Year to Year

There’s a reason your child’s eye exam should be a yearly event: Children’s bodies can change quickly and so can their eyesight. Plus, children's eyes often show clinical signs of myopia even before the child experiences blurry vision, making the annual eye exam that much more important for early detection.5 Even children who did not exhibit any signs of decreased vision last year might need a prescription by the following school year. It’s important to compare changes year over year.

Increased Screen Time and Digital Devices Can Lead to Myopia

With the use of more computer screens in school, not to mention the increase in digital learning, children are online and on screens more than ever before. This can cause eye strain and can even affect their eye development, so getting those eyes checked at the beginning of the school year will help set them up for success.6

If You Have Myopia, Your Kids Might, Too

Studies show that children have a 1 in 2 chance of developing myopia if both parents have it; a 1 in 3 chance if one parent has it; and a 1 in 4 chance even if neither parent has myopia.3, 7-8 Other lifestyle factors, such as not enough outdoor time, poor lighting and increased digital screen time can influence myopia development in children.9-11

 

There Are Now More Options for Myopia

Like us, you probably didn't think contact lenses are an option for children. Through rigorous multi-year study, MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses on average slowed the progression of myopia by 59% in age-appropriate children. §2, 12 And after six years, nearly one in four eyes originally fit with MiSight® 1 day had no progression of myopia.¶13 These stunning results make MiSight® 1 day the breakthrough technology that was the first and only FDA approved* product for myopia control in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†2

Learn more about MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses and myopia!

Be sure to check this important item off your to-do list and get your child scheduled for an annual, comprehensive eye exam to make sure their school year is off to a brilliant start.

Indications and Important Safety Information.

Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) so! (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with à 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded a!er each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.

§ Children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.
¶ -0.25D or less of change. Lenses fitted between the ages of 8-12 at initiation of treatment.

 

  1. Holden BA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.
  2. Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96(8):556–567.
  3. Xu L, Wang Y, Wang S, Wang Y Jonas JB. ‘High Myopia and Glaucoma Susceptibility: The Beijing Eye Study. Ophthalmology, 2007;114(2):216-20.
  4. Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical, and environmental factors in myopia aetiology Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660.
  5. Mutti DO, Hayes JR, Mitchell GL, et al. Refractive error, axial length, and relative peripheral refractive error before and after the onset of myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007;48(6):2510-2519. doi:10.1167/iovs.06-0562
  6. Lanca C, Saw SM. The association between digital screen time and myopia: A systematic review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2020 Mar;40(2):216-229. doi: 10.1111/opo.12657. Epub 2020 Jan 13. PMID: 31943280.
  7. Jiang X, Tarczy-Hornoch K, Cotter SA, et al. Association of Parental Myopia With Higher Risk of Myopia Among Multiethnic Children Before School Age [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 19]. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(5):1-9.
  8. Morgan P. Is Myopia Control the Next Contact Lens Revolution? OPTICIAN 2016
  9. Gifford P, Gifford, K L. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lenses. Opt Vis Sci. 2016;93(4):336-43.
  10. Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology 2008;115(8):1279-85.
  11. Chee Wai WONG, M.D. M.C.I. Digital Screen Time During COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk for a Further Myopia Boom?. American Journal of Opthalmology. 2020.07.29
  12. Rah MJ, et al. Vision specific quality of life of pediatric contact lens wearers. Optom Vis Sci2010;87(8):560-6. 
  13. Chamberlain P, et al. Myopia Progression in Children wearing Dual-Focus Contact Lenses: 6-year findings. Optom Vis Sci 2020;97(E-abstract):200038
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5 Reasons to Schedule an Eye Exam for Back to School

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

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What’s the Right Age for Your Child’s First Eye Exam? The Answer May Surprise You

by Amber Guetebier
Partner Content

From the first moment you meet them (and probably before) you’ve done everything in your power to keep your little ones safe and sound. From doctor visits to child care, you’ve probably researched high and low to help make informed choices for your child. But do you know when your child should receive their first eye exam?

You’re not alone if you don’t! In fact, a survey from VSP Vision Care and market research agency, YouGov, found that a whopping 88 percent of parents did not know that their children should receive their first eye exam at six months old. And, twice as many parents worry about their children’s dental problems vs. their vision issues – even though most children lose their baby teeth by age 12.

We caught up with busy mom and VSP network eye doctor, Dr. Jennifer Wademan, to weigh in on the best age to get an eye exam, what to expect at the appointment, and how to find the right eye doctor for your family. Read on for our Q&A with Dr. Wademan.

At what age should my child have their first comprehensive eye exam?

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Dr. Wademan: Many parents don't realize this, but the first comprehensive eye exam should be around six months of age. You may have had vision screenings with your pediatric doctor, but a comprehensive eye exam is recommended at the age of six months. 

Wow! That's surprising. Six months seems very early; why does my baby need an eye exam at such an early age?

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Dr. Wademan: A lot of important visual skills are developing and should be present around six months of age. That includes the baby’s focusing ability—the ability to fixate on something, usually mom or dad’s face. Also, color vision and depth perception. Those are really important skills that we want to make sure are present at that age. 

Especially with babies it’s difficult to tell; they’re not going to be able to tell you what they're seeing or what they're not seeing, so an eye exam can help determine those visual skills.  

How often should my child have eye exams?

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Dr. Wademan: The first one should be at six months and then again at three years. The next one should be five or six years old, that age right before they start kindergarten. That’s usually a really good protocol. And then after that an annual comprehensive eye exam is a must. 

Remember that babies and children are building a visual library so it's really important to make sure that what they're seeing is clear and unobstructed, and that there’s no visual impairment.  That way, if there are any issues present, we can address it earlier on as they're building a more accurate visual library which is essential for their growth and development. This is especially important for their success as they approach school age.

Is there anything I can do ahead of time to help my child feel more comfortable at their eye exam?

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Dr. Wademan: It depends on the age of your child: for babies at six months, making sure you're not scheduling the appointment right at nap time or right when the baby needs to eat.

For an older child, I think it's important just to prepare the child by talking to them. Tell them what to expect and address any concerns or fears they may have before the appointment. I often tell parents to bring your child in at the same time as your exam, let them sit on your lap, so they can watch you do the exam first. Then, when it's time for the child's exam, it's a little easier: they know what to expect. 

Really an eye exam is probably the easiest health exam for a child (I'm a little biased). We try to make the experience fun and exciting with toys, cartoons and a treasure chest.

Are there any signs that I should look for to know if my baby/child has vision problems?

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Dr. Wademan: It’s important to bring your baby or child in to an eye doctor because their regular pediatric exam is an eye screening, not a comprehensive exam. A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond just clear vision for kids— it can play an important role in mobility and eye coordination, the early detection of chronic diseases like diabetes, and creating a baseline for when changes in vision occur as the child develops.

Another thing parents may notice are eyes not tracking together (lazy eye) in children. It’s important to keep in mind that babies can’t really articulate if something is blurry. Even with older kids, when they're hitting that school age, kids can't really articulate blurry versus clear vision. If a child’s vision is blurry, that’s the picture they’re looking through and oftentimes they don’t know that they should be seeing things any differently.

Beyond ensuring clear vision, are there other eye health and overall health-related issues the eye doctor is looking for?

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Dr. Wademan: In addition to vision issues, there are other diseases that can be present, so it’s important to create a baseline at a very young age. Diabetes, eye pressure, congenital cataracts, lazy eye, all of these can occur in kids. The younger they are and the earlier we are able to treat, the better the prognosis is long term for their overall vision and health.

Starting from birth to about eight years old is where we see a lot of developmental changes and so some of those conditions that we can treat earlier on, means that they're going to be seeing clear and comfortable for years to come. There's a critical window where you want to check everything out. I’m a mom and I noticed my daughter, who is six, wasn’t doing as well in school as I thought she would. I took her to get an eye exam and it turned out she needed glasses. Keep in mind, a child’s vision can change out of the blue and fairly quickly. It’s like their shoe size— it can stay the same for a year but then change two sizes in three months. So, you just never know unless you have that comprehensive eye exam.

Anything parents should know about dilation? Is dilation safe for kids?

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Dr. Wademan: Dilation is safe for kids and is done for two reasons:

The first reason is to get a better look inside the back of the eye. Think of it like window opening, dilation makes it easier to see through thus I can see in the eye more extensively.

Secondly, it relaxes a child's whole focusing system, which allows me to get a much more accurate representation if the child has a prescription whether for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Parents should know the eye drops can last anywhere from four-to-12 hours, and sometimes your child will get a bit tired. There aren’t really any other side effects, although for some children the eye drops may sting a little bit.  

What are the most common issues you see in children during eye exams?

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Dr. Wademan: Moderate-to-higher amounts of prescriptions, whether it’s nearsightedness, farsightedness or sometimes astigmatism. The other thing I often see is lazy eye, where one eye turns out and both eyes are not focusing and working together. Any of these issues can lead to vision problems and reduced vision into adulthood if not addressed early on.

I’m not sure how to get started. What should I look for when selecting an eye doctor for my kid? Do I need to find an eye doctor who has experience with baby eye exams before making an appointment?

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Dr. Wademan: If you don't currently have an eye doctor, visit VSP.com to find an eye doctor near you. I see a lot of families from baby to teenager. Just like with any other provider, it’s important to find someone you’re comfortable asking questions and that you’re at ease with. There are specific pediatric eye doctors, but many eye doctors see babies and children through adulthood.

About Jennifer Wademan, O.D.

Dr. Jennifer Wademan

Dr. Jennifer Wademan is a VSP Network Eye Doctor currently practicing at Bidwell Optometry in Folsom, CA. She graduated from Southern California College of Optometry in 2008 and practices comprehensive optometry with training in family eye care, contact lens fittings, ocular disease, co-management of laser vision/cataract surgery and pediatrics.

​Dr. Wademan enjoys her many roles at Bidwell Optometry, but also cherishes her role as mom of two girls, and a wife to an amazing husband. She is passionate about connecting with patients on a personal level and educating on a range of eye health topics. Dr. Wademan is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Calif. Optometric Association, and the Sacramento Valley Optometric Society.

Want to learn more about eye health for kids and find the right eye doctor for your family? Visit VSP.com.

—Amber Guetebier

featured photo: iStock 

 

 

 

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Why Your Kids Need a Back-to-School Eye Exam (& 5 Questions to Ask Your Optometrist)

by Erin Lem
Partner Content

You never hesitate to call your pediatrician when your child’s sick or allow your mini-me to skip her nightly teeth brushing. After all, your kiddo’s well-being is your top priority. But, did you know that eye exams for children—starting at six-months-old—should be a part of their regular check-up routine? Read on for why you should make vision care a top priority, and five things to ask your optometrist at your next exam.

Why Check Their Vision If There Are No Problems?
If you don’t check their vision, how will you ever know anything is wrong? With one in four kids having an eye condition, yearly check ups are imperative to measure your kiddo’s eye health.

In fact, back-to-school season is a great reminder to get those eyes examined. With 80% of learning happening visually, you’ll want to make sure your kids are ready to tackle everything from reading faraway text in the classroom to participating in sports and extracurriculars safely.

5 Questions to Ask at Your Next Eye Exam
Booking that eye exam is the first step to ensuring your kid’s vision health. We spoke to Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, OD, owner and practitioner of Front Range Eye Association in Denver (she’s also a mom!) to ask her what parents should be aware of and asking at the appointment.

1. If my child requires corrective eyewear, what other options do we have, no or in the future, besides glasses? Is there anything I can do to prevent even greater loss of vision?

2. What are the effects of my child using technology? Should I limit use? Is one device worst or better than others?

3. I’m worried my child may be pretending to a have vision problem or that his/her responses to your questions may not be reliable because glasses are so trendy right now. How can you tell if my child really does has an issue that I need to be concerned about?

4. How important is wearing sunglasses from an early age?

5. Wouldn’t I, or my child’s teacher, know if they had a vision problem? Does a pediatrician visit or school screening accomplish the same thing as an eye exam?

If you need to find an optometrist and book your next appointment, head to VSP and find your doctor.

Does your child have vision problems? Have you taken him or her to an optometrist? Tell us about your child’s eye care in the comments below.

 

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7 Surprising Stats You Should Read for Healthy Eyes

by Erin Lem
Partner Content

You’re whizzing through your back-to-school checklist like a pro. Before your kids officially head to the classroom, add one more thing to your to-do list: a yearly eye exam for your child. Just like pediatrician appointments, a regular eye exam should be a part of your family’s check-up routine, but unfortunately many parents miss this step even though they should start when kids are as young as six-months-old. Read on for seven surprising stats you might not know about eye health.

  • One in five parents do not take their kids to the eye doctor for the first time until their children are school age (at least five years old).
  • Less than 10% of parents know the recommended age for a child’s first eye exam is six months.
  • One in ten parents have never taken their kids to the eye doctor.
  • One-third of moms say they don’t take their kids to the eye doctor because they already get a school vision screening – even though 50% say an eye doctor exam is more comprehensive.
  • 72% of moms & 45% of dads who do not bring their children to the eye doctor annual say they would be motivated to do so if their child complains of discomfort or changes in vision.
  • One in five moms say access to vision insurance is the biggest barrier to visiting the eye doctor; while one-third (30%) of moms say obtaining vision insurance would motivate them to schedule an appointment.
  • 75% of parents take their children to the dentist and primary care doctor before school begins each year, but only 50% take their children to get a comprehensive eye exam.

Be part of the 50% of families taking their kiddos to get an eye exam. Find your eye doctor today! Click here to get started.

Have your kids visited the eye doctor? Tell us about their experience in the comments below. 

 

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Why Your Kids Need a Back-to-School Eye Exam (& 5 Questions to Ask Your Optometrist) 

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