Early detection of visual problems is essential for your child’s development. Understanding the key ages when vision issues typically arise helps parents recognize when their child’s visual system may not be developing as expected. According to Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a developmental optometrist in Versailles, Kentucky, knowing these key stages can ensure children receive the appropriate care at the right time.
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Graebe specializes in pediatric eye care and vision therapy, which is a non-invasive treatment that acts as physical therapy for the eyes, brain, and body. Let’s explore these critical ages where visual problems may appear and what parents can do.
Age 3: Transition to Visual Dominance
At around age 3, children stop relying on taste, smell, and touch to explore the world and begin to depend more on their visual system. During this period, conditions like strabismus (eye misalignment) or amblyopia (lazy eye) may develop. These issues arise when one eye stops working in tandem with the other, causing the brain to suppress the image from the weaker eye.
As Dr. Graebe explains, “The brain says, ‘I can’t use both eyes – it’s too hard,’ and essentially turns off one eye.” This is a common but often undiagnosed issue that affects approximately 75,000 children in the U.S. annually. Detecting amblyopia early is crucial because the condition may not always be outwardly visible. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch these issues. Dr. Graebe’s office offers free eye exams for 3-year-olds, helping families catch potential problems before they escalate.
Age 6: School and Sustained Visual Tasks
By the time children are 6 years old, they enter school, where sustained close-up work like reading becomes a daily necessity. If a child has a visual issue, it may present itself in the form of headaches, eye rubbing, or even an aversion to reading. Teachers often notice these signs first, and they might suggest a vision evaluation.
Dr. Graebe points out that these warning signs should not be ignored: “If your child is having trouble concentrating or covering one eye to read, it might be time for an eye exam.” Identifying vision problems at this stage ensures that children can keep up academically without unnecessary struggles.
Age 10: The Shift from Learning to Read to Reading to Learn
Around age 10, children transition from learning to read to reading to learn. This pivotal point in their education can be when undiagnosed vision problems start to significantly affect their academic performance. If your child’s grades begin to slip, it may not be a behavioral issue or a lack of effort. The real culprit could be their vision.
Dr. Graebe emphasizes that vision plays a crucial role in learning: “Since 70% of what we perceive after age 3 comes through our visual system, it’s a logical place to start when addressing learning difficulties.” A comprehensive eye exam can often reveal underlying issues, allowing for appropriate interventions to help children thrive in the classroom.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam Today
If you suspect your child may be experiencing any of these visual challenges, don’t wait. Schedule a pediatric eye exam with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD at the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, or our Somerset location, which serves southern Kentucky. Early intervention can make all the difference in your child’s academic success and overall well-being.
Call us today at 859-879-0089 to book your child’s free vision screening at age 3 or to arrange a comprehensive exam at any stage of development.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, as compiled and written by John Lynch.