Ensuring Healthy Vision for Children in New Jersey

Did you know that 1 in 4 children has a vision problem that could affect their learning and development? Unfortunately, many of these issues go undetected without proper eye care. At Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey, we are committed to providing pediatric eye care to ensure your child’s vision is developing healthily and effectively.

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What is Pediatric Eye Care?

Pediatric eye care involves examining, diagnosing, and treating vision and eye health problems in children. Children’s eyes constantly grow and develop, requiring specialized care to ensure their vision is on track. Pediatric eye care includes routine eye exams, vision screenings, and treatment for conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia), strabismus (crossed eyes), and refractive errors.

The Importance of Eye Care During Childhood Development

Good eye health is essential for children as they grow and develop. Since up to 80% of learning is visual, undiagnosed vision problems can impact a child’s academic performance, athletic abilities, and overall quality of life. Many eye problems can go unnoticed by parents and children, as kids may not realize their vision is different from normal.

Eye exams are important for detecting nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, which can affect how a child sees near and far objects. Identifying and addressing these issues early helps ensure children are set up for success and minimizes any developmental or learning delays related to vision problems.

Recommended Schedule for Children’s Eye Exams

For children aged 5 and up, regular eye exams are crucial to monitor and maintain optimal vision and eye health. It is generally recommended that school-age children have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. This schedule may vary based on the child’s individual risk factors, symptoms, or vision needs. Routine exams ensure early detection and treatment of any issues that could affect a child’s ability to learn and thrive.

Common Eye Conditions in Children

Children may experience various eye conditions that affect their vision and overall health. Some of the most common include:

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

A condition in which one eye does not develop properly, leading to decreased vision. Early treatment can help correct the problem before it becomes permanent.

Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)

This occurs when the eyes are not properly aligned. Strabismus can lead to double vision or amblyopia if not treated early.

Refractive Errors

Conditions like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism can affect how clearly a child sees objects at different distances.

Convergence Insufficiency

Difficulty in coordinating the eyes for near tasks, which can affect reading and concentration.

Eye Infections and Allergies

Children are prone to conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other allergies that can cause discomfort, itching, and redness.

Pediatric Eye Care at Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey

We provide comprehensive pediatric eye care for children ages 5 and up at our Jersey City, Belleville, Union, and Rahway locations. Our experienced optometrists take a child-friendly approach to ensure each young patient feels comfortable during their visit.

Our team is dedicated to making sure your child receives the best possible care. We offer thorough eye exams, treatment for common childhood eye conditions, and vision correction solutions like glasses or specialty contact lenses when necessary. Our goal is to help children achieve their full potential by ensuring their vision is the best it can be.

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Notes

For urgent eye issues or emergencies, Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons strongly recommends calling a location nearest to you. Emergency eye care may constitute any of the following: 1. vision loss; 2. different size pupils; 3. double vision; 4. bleeding from the eye; 5. Swelling; 6. eye pain that doesn't lessen on its own; and/ or 7. eye pain accompanied by a headache. If you experience any of the following issues above, we recommend that you seek immediate medical attention.

For after-hour eye emergencies, please visit your local ER or Urgent Care Center, or dial 911.