Posted by: Mann Eye in Ask The Experts, Eye Health

by Dr. Luke Barker

Does my child still need to have a comprehensive eye exam if she passed her vision screening at her well-child check-up?

With back-to-school right around the corner, August is the perfect time for National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. And here’s to hoping the 2021-2022 school year is just a little more normal than last year!

Eye Health is Important for Students

At Mann Eye Institute, we believe that good vision – starting in childhood – is the foundation for a happy, healthy life. And if you’ve been our patient for any amount of time, you know we want you and your family to See Life Better for a lifetime!

For this reason, we recommend that children begin having annual eye exams, starting at about age three. Sure, they will have vision screenings at school and/or their well-child checkups at their primary care physician. But a vision screening is not the same as an annual eye exam by a licensed eye doctor. Only optometrists and ophthalmologists have the advanced training and clinical tools to perform a thorough evaluation of your child’s eyes and vision.

Students of all ages need good vision in order to perform well in school. With more online learning than ever before and an increase in screen time for people of all ages, it’s important to make sure your eyes are protected and working well.

Specifics of how an eye exam is conducted will depend on your child’s age. But generally, a comprehensive eye exam at Mann Eye Institute will include:

  • Medical history
  • Vision testing
  • Testing of eye alignment and how eyes work together as a team
  • Eye health evaluation

Be sure to let us know if your child has any issues with frequent eye rubbing, dryness, redness or headaches. These could be signs of digital eye strain. And for young patients who are experiencing Myopic Progression (where nearsightedness gets worse year over year), we have a Pediatric Myopia Management Program that is making a difference in the vision and the lives of many young people. Ask us about it!

Help your kiddos have a successful school year by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam and taking safety measures to ensure their eyes are free from injury and digital eye strain.

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