How Vital Eye Examination Is For Improving A Child’s Vision

Just the other day, I received an appointment reminder from the optometrist that it had been two years since my last eye examination. On the one hand when I received the notice, I thought what’s the big deal? I don’t need an examination to tell me what is painfully obvious. I’m blind as a bat. I can barely see anything without contacts or glasses if it’s not placed right in front of me now so what could I possibly learn from another eye exam.

On the other hand, I thought it could be a really big deal. As we age, we are more susceptible to issues such as Glaucoma, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Cataracts and Diabetic Retinopathy. Don’t ask me to give you a medical explanation for any of the aforementioned medical terms – I merely researched them for this post. I’m not a medical doctor but I’m sure you will agree that the names of these potential eyesight issues sound serious enough to make sure that I schedule an eye appointment.

Vision Check

It’s easier to see that I have eyesight issues than it is for me to see. Take my glasses from me and stand twenty feet away and I would have a hard time telling who or what was standing in front of me. I suspect that I’m not alone with my sight issues which is why I’m advocating that everyone get regular eye examinations.

Children are supposed to have an eye examination at 6 months, 3 years, and before first grade. Adults are advised to have an eye examination a minimum of every two years before age 60 and annually after age 60. Your eyesight is going to change so get an eye examination routinely.

Can You See Me Daddy

Speaking of changing eyesight, more than 15 years ago, my son asked me an eye-opening question. He asked “can you see me daddy?” He was hiding from me and wanted to know if I could find him. At the time, it was an innocent playful question. However, what I know now – that I was not aware while playing “hide and go seek” with a three-year old – is that children have a difficult time seeing themselves.

Although, children’s physical vision is generally better than adults; their mental vision is often more distorted. Children’s mental vision suffers the same problems that impair their parent’s physical vision; namely nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Impaired Vision

Nearsightedness in the physical occurs when one can see things up close easily but has difficultly seeing things at a distance. Such is the challenge for children’s mental vision. Children are susceptible to only being able to see life as it plays out in the given moment – right in front of their face. Many children lack the ability to see the consequences and possibilities their actions may have at a distance – in the future.

As such, children who say they don’t like school are often only saying that they can’t see the connection studying today has on their future. Children in the juvenile penal system are often children who couldn’t see beyond immediate gratification. Parents have to keep their eyes wide open so that they will be able to keep their children from suffering the effects of nearsightedness.

Farsightedness in the physical occurs when one can see distant objects better than they are able to see objects that are near. Children’s mental vision is severely impaired by farsightedness. Many children are so caught up with the future of adulthood that they miss out on the true joys of childhood. Ask almost any adult if they had an opportunity to relive their youth and you are likely to get a unanimous emphatic “YES”.

In fact, adults do just about everything not to get old – creams, ointments, injections, surgeries, buying toys, younger spouses, etc. Despite our cultural disdain for aging, children are so anxious to be grown – have their own home, car and other stuff – that is until they see what is required to purchase and maintain their lifestyle. Not only does farsightedness impair a child’s mental vision but it distorts their perspective of time and sense of smell. As such, parents have the mandate to make sure more of our children take time to smell the roses.

Astigmatism in the physical occurs when images consistently appear blurry and distorted. Like nearsightedness and farsightedness, children’s mental vision is oft impaired by astigmatism. Many of today’s children have little idea of who they are nor do they have a real understanding about their purpose as living breathing organisms on this planet.

For example, American children lead the world in self-confidence. Unfortunately, American children aren’t the world leaders in academic performance. American children suffer from a mental astigmatism – their real reflection is blurry and distorted. In short, American children are not who they think they are. This might explain why so many believe today’s children are more narcissistic than ever before and exude a greater sense of entitlement than any previous generation – they haven’t accomplished anything but want to be rewarded for everything.

If the world is going to improve parents have to raise children who have a clear perspectives not only of themselves but their surroundings as well.

How Well Does Your Child See?

Being able to see is a big deal. It’s not only a big deal physically, it’s a big deal mentally. Thus, I’ve been asking my son for more than 15 years “can you see yourself?” I’m going to ask him again today.

Likewise, I would encourage all parents to check your child’s vision. You can start the vision examination by asking your children the same question that emanated from a game of “hide and seek” with a three-year old. “Son or daughter can you see yourself?” The conversation that follows should tell you a lot about your child’s vision.

When children’s sight is impaired only a few parents are lucky enough to call the accompanying result of impaired vision a youthful error or a childish mistake. Most parents don’t have children with 20/20 vision which is why we have to take corrective measures early and often. Otherwise, all parents have the potential of suffering the same undesirable fate – having our children appear on 20/20 because they missed a vision examination.

When was the last time you checked your child’s vision?