Early detection of visual problems in children is crucial for proper development and learning. Pediatric eye care specialists, such as Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, emphasize that recognizing visual issues early on can help ensure that a child’s vision is functioning optimally during key stages of development. Dr. Graebe, a pediatric eye doctor based in Versailles, Kentucky, explains the critical ages when certain visual issues may appear and shares advice on how parents can identify these signs to seek timely intervention.
Why Early Detection of Visual Issues is Important
A child’s vision plays a fundamental role in learning and interacting with the world around them. Since about 70% of the information we perceive after age three comes through our visual system, it’s no wonder that vision is key to a child’s overall development. From tracking moving objects to focusing on text, the visual system’s function affects a child’s ability to succeed in school, sports, and social interactions. Early detection of vision problems can prevent long-term issues and help children reach their full potential.
Age 3: Transition to Visual Dominance
At age three, children begin relying more on their vision to explore and understand their environment, moving beyond the use of taste, smell, and touch. Dr. Graebe notes that this is when conditions like strabismus (misaligned eyes) and amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, can emerge. Amblyopia occurs when the brain has trouble using both eyes together, often favoring one eye over the other. It can lead to the brain effectively “shutting off” vision in the weaker eye to avoid confusion.
In the United States, approximately 75,000 three-year-olds are affected by amblyopia annually. However, this condition often goes unnoticed, as symptoms might not be visible to the naked eye. Only a professional eye exam can detect these issues. Dr. Graebe’s clinic offers free eye exams for three-year-olds, aiming to catch these problems as early as possible. Parents in and around Versailles and greater Lexington, Kentucky, should consider scheduling an exam to ensure their child’s visual health is on track from this critical age.
Age 6: The Start of Formal Education
The next key age is six, which often coincides with the start of formal schooling. In school, children engage in activities that require sustained focus, such as reading and writing. Dr. Graebe explains that visual problems during this stage can make it difficult for children to concentrate on close-up tasks, often resulting in signs like eye-rubbing, headaches, or covering one eye to read.
Teachers are frequently the first to notice these symptoms, as children with vision issues may avoid reading or appear restless during classroom activities. If a child shows signs of struggling to maintain focus, parents should consider an eye exam to rule out any underlying visual challenges.
Age 10: Shifting from “Learning to Read” to “Reading to Learn”
Around age 10, children transition from learning to read to reading to learn, meaning that they rely heavily on their vision to absorb and interpret information. As reading becomes a primary method of learning, any vision issues that have developed can interfere with academic performance. If a child experiences a drop in grades or avoids reading, it may signal a need for a comprehensive eye examination.
Dr. Graebe advises parents to ask themselves one simple question when a child encounters learning difficulties: “Is my child reaching their full potential?” Often, visual challenges may underlie academic struggles. Vision therapy, a noninvasive technique that strengthens the connection between the eyes, brain, and body, can address these challenges and improve a child’s ability to perform at their best.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam in Versailles or Somerset, Kentucky
Identifying and addressing visual issues at key developmental ages can make a significant difference in a child’s quality of life. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute offers comprehensive pediatric eye exams designed to detect and address issues that may affect your child’s learning and development.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, call us today at 859-879-0089. Take this proactive step to ensure your child’s visual health supports their success in school and beyond.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.