Prescription eyeglasses can help children see more clearly, reducing eye strain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Moreover, getting kids eyeglasses can be easy and convenient with the right optometrist. If your child needs glasses, here is what you can expect at every step of the way.
First, it can be helpful to know when a child may need glasses. Some of the most noticeable signs include squinting and rubbing their eyes excessively. Crossed eyes can also indicate the need for eyeglasses. Lesser-known signs include:
Parents should take their children to an optometrist for glasses. While generic glasses are available at drug stores, an optometrist can create a custom prescription that corrects vision more effectively. Custom glasses can give the eyes a rest and, in some cases, may even improve a child's vision. Explore the process of getting custom kids eyeglasses below.
An eye examination aims to assess the overall health of the child's eye. This includes evaluating their focusing and tracking abilities, such as how well they can track an object, like a pen, moving side to side and then closer to their face. An optometrist will assess the patient's peripheral vision, color vision, and hand-eye coordination.
During an eye exam, the optometrist will also conduct tests to look at the internal structure of the eye. They may dilate the pupils with eye drops so that they can look into the eyes for signs of eye disease. Additionally, pupil dilation allows the optometrist to examine the health of the retina and the back of the eye.
The next part of an eye exam is the visual acuity test, in which the child will look at an eye chart through various lenses. The optometrist will ask the child which lenses make the chart appear clearer, creating a custom prescription as they conduct the test. Alternatively, this test will reveal if the child does not need glasses.
The next step for children who need vision correction is to select frames. An optometrist's office typically has a wide range of frames to choose from, and an optical assistant can assist children and their parents in narrowing down their search based on the child's prescription and preferences. The optical assistant can provide advice on which frames suit certain face shapes, the size of the prescription, and more.
However, an optical assistant's main role is to fit whichever pair the child chooses to their face. This involves measuring the distance between the pupils (i.e., pupillary distance) and marking this on the frames. Once the fitting is complete, the frames are sent to a lab to have the child's custom prescription put in. Parents can typically pick up their child's eyeglasses in about five to ten business days.
If you think your child may need glasses, it cannot hurt to consult an optometrist. Ours at Carmi Eye Care will conduct an eye exam and determine if they need eyeglasses. Contact us today for an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carmieyecare.com or call Carmi Eye Care at (618) 374-0513 for an appointment in our Carmi office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Kids Eyeglasses in Carmi, IL.
Contact lenses are an alternative to glasses for those looking to improve their vision. They offer aesthetic appeal, a better and more natural field of vision, and flexibility, among other benefits. Despite these benefits, contact lenses require some adjustment and must be handled with care. Here are some key things to know if you are…
Eyeglasses from an optometrist are a sound investment, with one pair lasting up to three years on average. However, it is important to update the prescription regularly. Doing so ensures supreme vision correction, as well as alleviates eye strain and other symptoms of an incorrect prescription.According to recommendations from the American Optometric Association (AOA), patients…
Just because sunglasses are tinted does not mean they provide the protection your eyes need. In fact, unless they provide the right UV protection, your eyes are still at risk for damage from the sun's harmful UV radiation. Here is what you need to know about UV rays and why sunglasses with the right UV…
Optometrists ensure your eyes function properly and help maintain their internal and external health. They are trained to identify, treat, and manage conditions that affect any of these factors. Discover why maintaining a relationship with an optometrist's office through regular can greatly benefit your overall health and boost your quality of life.Optometrists are healthcare professionals…
Contact lenses are an alternative to glasses for those looking to improve their vision. They offer aesthetic appeal, a better and more natural field of vision, and flexibility, among other benefits. Despite these benefits, contact lenses require some adjustment and must be handled with care. Here are some key things to know if you are…
Eyeglasses from an optometrist are a sound investment, with one pair lasting up to three years on average. However, it is important to update the prescription regularly. Doing so ensures supreme vision correction, as well as alleviates eye strain and other symptoms of an incorrect prescription.According to recommendations from the American Optometric Association (AOA), patients…