Our vision plays a crucial role in how we navigate the world. This is especially true for children, as they are in the process of developing their minds and adapting to their surroundings. Safeguarding this vital sense in children lies at the heart of Children’s Eye Health Month.
In some cases, children can be born with visual impairments. If that is an issue with your child, conducting regular eye exams is paramount to giving them the best start. Our eye care professionals at Paragon Eye Associates are dedicated to providing children with the most comprehensive treatments possible. Below is more information on how we can help you properly celebrate Children’s Eye Health Month with a checkup. Get in touch with our Arlington or Mansfield location to learn more.
How Did Children’s Eye Health Month Get its Start?
According to Center for Disease Control data, about 6.8% of all children under the age of 18 have a vision problem. This may seem like a small statistic, but 6.8% equates to roughly 1 in 20 children having some form of eye impairment. Children’s Eye Health Month was established by The American Academy of Ophthalmology to challenge and change this reality.
This month, the month of August aims to encourage children’s eye exams and provide visually impaired children with the best care possible. It is also meant to educate parents on what they can do to give their kids the best start in life.
Common Visual Impairments in Children
Some of the most common visual impairments children struggle with include:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Ptosis (drooping of the eyelid)
- Color deficiency or color blindness
Spotting signs of some of these issues may be a challenge, especially in infant children. Often, young kids don’t yet know how to communicate about their visual impairments. That is why regular eye exams are so crucial. A visit to an optometrist can save your child a lot of trouble and provide them with the tools needed for proper development.
Ways to Celebrate Children’s Eye Health Month
Schedule an Exam
The best way to mark the month is to schedule an exam for your child. We can provide your child with a thorough evaluation here at Paragon Eye Associates. If anything further needs to be done, we will give you the support you deserve.
Spread the Word!
Share your experience with others and encourage eye exams for children using the #ChildrensEyeAndSafetyMonth hashtag. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are all excellent platforms for spreading the word.
Invest Time in Education
We here at Paragon are happy to provide you with information on ocular health, services, and what you can do to keep your family’s vision sharp and healthy. Connect with one of our offices to receive information and educational support.
Schedule a Children’s Eye Exam Today
At Paragon Eye Associates, we can provide your children with the comprehensive care and attention they deserve. If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, we welcome you to schedule an appointment today.
Appointments are currently available with Dr. Fontenot in Mansfield and Dr. Baker in Arlington. Please note that children must be at least 6 years old and must know their alphabet. If your child does not meet these criteria, we can refer you to a Pediatric Ophthalmologist in the area.
To get started, simply fill out the form below. You can also contact us over the phone by dialing (817) 277-6433 for our Arlington office or (817) 477-0223 for our Mansfield office.
