22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! HEALTH Ensuring the visual health of your children is a responsibility that should not be overlooked. Many parents spend a great deal of time wondering when is it appropriate to schedule their child's first eye test. The answer? Sooner than you might think. Experts have recommended for some time that a child's first comprehensive eye test should occur between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. This initial examination is crucial for identifying any potential issues early on as it allows opticians to properly assess the basic functionality of a child's eyes. It will be able to detect common issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Being able to intervene early in such cases is important as it can significantly impact a child's development, including their ability to learn and interact with the world around them. Follow up eye tests should then be scheduled at around age 3 and again before starting at school. The pre-school years are a critical time for visual development, and identifying issues at this stage can prevent learning difficulties later on. Regular eye tests become even more important as a child progresses through school, given the increasing demands on their visual abilities for reading, writing, and of course computer / screen use. It's important to note that even if a child does not display any obvious signs of diffculty with their vision, regular eye tests are still essential. Children may not always be abel or willing to vocalise issues with their eye sight as they might assume everyone sees the way they do. By incorporating a good eye health regime, which includes regular eye tests, into a child's regular healthcare, parents can ensure that any potential problems are quickly identified and swiftly dealt with. Beyond school age, eye tests should continue to be a regular part of a young person’s healthcare regime. During the teenage years especially, changes in vision can happen and these can affect academic performance and overall well-being. Your optician may adjust the frequency and regularity of eye tests at this stage in a young persons life. In closing, it’s worth acknowledging that the old adage that says ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is pretty accurate when it comes to a child's vision. Schedule that first eye test early, and make regular eye check-ups a priority throughout your child's formative years. It will be a small investment in their health that will probably yield a lifetime of benefits for them. Optical Illusion: Knowing when to take your child to see as Optician
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