Why is My Child Cross-Eyed?

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Strabismus is the official medical term for crossed eyes. This condition is more common in children than you may realize. Thankfully, it’s not like long ago when a person had to live their entire lives with crossed eyes. Many treatment options exist today, including special lenses, therapies, and surgery, depending on the case. If your child has crossed eyes in Wellington, FL, contact your optometrist for help as soon as possible.

What Causes Crossed Eyes in Children?

Children have varying degrees of muscle development and coordination. The eyes function with a synergy of muscle movement. Each eye has muscles that control eye movement. Normally, the muscles in each eye are coordinated. It’s a complex system, which is why, in some children, one eye’s muscles are more developed than others. When one muscle is weaker than the other, crossed eyes can develop.

Sometimes genetics plays a part, too. If a parent had crossed eyes, their child has a higher risk of having it. Then there are some health conditions that can play into it, like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, premature birth complications, and so on.

The Importance of Treating Crossed Eyes

Contact your optometrist in Wellington, FL, as soon as possible for crossed eyes treatment. If it’s left untreated for too long, a lazy eye can develop, where the brain ignores information from one eye, or the weaker eye muscles fail to get stronger over time.

There are many treatment options, but the first step is to bring your child in for a pediatric eye exam. A possible cause may be determined, and then a course of treatment can begin.

If your child has crossed eyes, whether it’s mild or moderate, contact us to book an appointment. The sooner treatment starts, the sooner your child’s eyes can get better.

When Should My Child’s First Pediatric Eye Exam Be?

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Protecting the health of your children’s eyes begins as soon as they are born. Eye health impacts many other areas of a child’s development, including their capacity for learning. If a child is struggling with vision problems, they will have problems with other things, like headaches, feelings of frustration, issues with self-confidence, trouble interacting with other children and adults, a higher risk for injuries, and more.

The Frontline of Defense For Your Child
As a parent, you are on the frontline of defense for your child’s health, including the health of their eyes. You’re the one who may notice a problem before anyone else does. A combination of parental instinct and noticing the details about your child’s behavior will give you an indication if something is amiss. This is very important. However, sometimes eye problems develop “behind the scenes” before symptoms are outwardly exhibited. For this reason, you should bring your child in for a pediatric eye exam in Wellington, FL, even if you have no reason to believe your child has a problem with their eyes.

When Should My Child’s First Pediatric Eye Exam Be?
The American Optometric Association has guidelines for parents to follow regarding their children’s eye health. According to them, you should strive to book your child’s very first eye exam at the age of six months. This is a good rule of thumb. However, if you do notice anything unusual, please don’t wait until your child is six months old to bring them in. Go ahead and book an appointment right away, so you can discuss the issue with the optometrist.

Eye problems can be congenital or developmental. Either way, don’t wait any longer than six months for your child’s first pediatric eye exam. Contact your Wellington, FL, optometrist today to book the appointment.

What Should I Do If My Infant’s Eyes Are Red?

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When your child’s eyes change color, it’s a sign they’re reacting to their environment. In most cases, red eyes are not a cause for concern, though it’s usually recommended parents see a pediatrician to rule out more serious conditions. We’ll look at what it might be and what you can do to ensure your child gets the care they need.

What Turns a Baby’s Eyes Red?

Just like adults, common allergies or general irritation can turn an infant’s eyes red. There’s also pink eye (conjunctivitis), also known as an inflammation of the inside of the eyelid and the outside of the eye’s membrane. A baby can pick up more serious eye infections after passing through the birth canal, but these are usually prevented by medication given in the delivery room.

Steps to Take

If you’re looking for pediatric eye care in Wellington, FL, the general advice is to see a pediatrician first. Because eye infections are contagious, you don’t necessarily want to make assumptions about what the problem is. Should your child have an eye infection, it’s important to avoid contact with either their eyes or any drainage from their eyes (e.g., tears, discharge, etc). If you’re giving them drops or ointment, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Pediatric Care in Wellington

While you may be advised to talk to a doctor first, that doesn’t mean your infant won’t need to see an eye doctor in Wellington, FL as well. Family Vision Center PA’s staff works alongside pediatricians to ensure children of all ages receive proper care. If your baby has struggled with red eyes or you just have questions about what’s normal, contact us today to see how we can help.

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Appointment?  

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Your child’s first eye appointment is important. Catching eye conditions and vision trouble early can help ensure that your child will be successful in school and in life. Without clear vision, reading and other important tasks may become difficult or impossible. Knowing when to take your child to their first appointment with the eye doctor in Wellington, FL can help you ensure that your child will be set up for success when they start school. Here’s what you need to know.

When should my child have their first eye appointment?

Your child should have their first comprehensive eye exam by the time they turn one year old. If the eye doctor finds evidence of a problem, they’ll let you know when to bring your child back for another eye appointment. If your child shows no signs of a problem during the first appointment, bring them back for another exam before they start kindergarten.

What are the signs of a vision problem?

Often, children don’t realize when they have a vision problem. It’s up to parents and eye doctors to find the problems when children are very young. The signs of vision problems include:

  • Squinting to see things up close or far away
  • Excessive tearing
  • Light sensitivity
  • Eyes turning toward the center or out away from the center (lazy eye)
  • Frequent eye rubbing
  • Crossed eyes

When your child is old enough to go to school, they may have trouble keeping up in school and may sit toward the front of the classroom to see the whiteboard.

Ready to take your child to the eye doctor? Call today.

At Family Vision Center PA, we offer pediatric eye care in Wellington, FL. Is it time for your child to have their first appointment with the eye doctor? Call today to get your appointment on the calendar.

 

 

Why Is Pediatric Eye Care Important?

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As a parent, you want to ensure your child is healthy and thriving. One critical component of your child’s overall health is their vision. Early detection and treatment of eye problems in children are essential to prevent long-term complications. In this post, we’ll explore the basics of pediatric eye care, why it’s crucial, and what you need to know to keep your child’s eyes healthy.

The professional team at Vision Source Signature Eye Care of Wellington, FL, is proud to serve the local community with premium eye care services for you and your family.

As a parent, you want to ensure your child is healthy and thriving. One critical component of your child’s overall health is their vision. Early detection and treatment of eye problems in children are essential to prevent long-term complications. In this post, we’ll explore the basics of pediatric eye care, why it’s crucial, and what you need to know to keep your child’s eyes healthy.

Children’s eyes are still developing, making them more vulnerable to eye problems, leading to permanent vision loss. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can prevent long-term complications and improve your child’s quality of life. Here are some reasons why pediatric eye care is critical:

  • Childhood eye problems can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early.
  • Undiagnosed vision problems can affect your child’s ability to learn and develop.
  • Eye problems can affect your child’s coordination and depth perception, leading to problems with sports and other physical activities.
  • Some eye problems in children can be symptoms of more serious underlying conditions that need immediate attention.

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that children have their first eye exam at six months. During this exam, your pediatrician or eye doctor will check your child’s eye movements, alignment, and overall eye health. They’ll also look for signs of eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

After their first eye exam, children should have follow-up exams at three years old and again before starting kindergarten. After that, children should have routine eye exams every one to two years, depending on their eye health and whether they wear glasses or contacts. Consistent touch points and contact throughout this time are vital for their development.

Common Pediatric Eye Problems

Children can develop a range of eye problems, including:

  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)
  • Astigmatism
  • Amblyopia (lazy eye)
  • Strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes)
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Blocked tear ducts
  • Eye infections

Your Local Quality Eye Care Professionals

Pediatric eye care is essential to properly developing a child’s vision and overall health. Regular eye exams, early detection, and treatment of vision problems can significantly impact a child’s academic success and quality of life. A child’s visual system undergoes significant changes during the first few years of life, making it crucial to seek professional eye care services from a qualified pediatric optometrist. Parents can help set their child up for a lifetime of healthy vision by partnering with a trusted eye care provider.

During your next appointment with the proficient team at Vision Source Signature Eye Care of Wellington, FL, you can be sure you are receiving the utmost care and guidance that your unique situation merits.

Have You Made Your Child’s Back to School Vision Appointment Yet? What to Know

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School is nearly in session! Is your little one going back to school in the fall? If so, then it’s time to bring your child to see the eye doctor in Wellington, FL. Seeing the eye doctor every year is important. In this article, we’ll talk about why you should make a back to school vision appointment for your child, what to expect during a vision exam, and signs that your child needs to see the eye doctor. 

Why Back to School Vision Appointments Are Important

Your child needs clear vision in order to follow lessons in school. Children who struggle to see often struggle to learn, and thus can fall behind quickly. This can impact your child’s confidence and ability to perform even after they get corrective lenses. Taking your child to the eye doctor every year before school begins helps catch eye problems early, so your child can get corrective lenses before going to the doctor.  

What to Expect During a Vision Exam

During a vision exam, your child’s eye doctor will check your child’s visual acuity to determine whether they need corrective lenses. Your child’s eye doctor may also check for eye diseases. 

If it’s determined that your child does need new glasses, you’ll be referred to the eyeglasses show room, where your child can pick eyeglasses that fit their tastes and personality. 

Signs Your Child Needs a Vision Appointment

Watch for signs your child needs to see the eye doctor, including:

  • Squinting
  • Sitting too close to the television
  • Covering one eye to see
  • Headaches
  • Strugging in school 

At Vision Source, we provide pediatric eye care in Wellington, FL. This is the time to make a back to school eye appointment! Call today.