Behavioral optometry, sometimes referred to as developmental optometry in Arlington, VA, is an approach to eye care designed to teach children better habits. Eye doctors use a combination of therapy and glasses to correct potential vision issues in children. When your child goes to a developmental eye exam, what will be examined?
Visual Function
The Arlington eye doctor will try to assess the visual function your child has. This would likely include:
- Binocular Vision: The ability to use both eyes together. Without this ability, your child could suffer from bad depth perception.
- Eye Health: Like with a regular eye exam, the eye doctor will take the time to assess the overall health of your child’s eyes.
- Focusing Ability: The eyes have to be able to focus on a target and keep the target clear as the distance changes.
- Tracking: Tracking is the ability to follow a tennis ball as it moves from side to side or to follow words on a page. The doctor will do a few tests to determine your child’s ability to do this.
- Visual Acuity: During the exam, the optometrist will also determine whether your child needs any prescription glasses.
- Visual Perception: Finally, this type of exam will also study the brain’s ability to turn what the eyes see into something useful.
Visual function in Arlington is an important part of eye health. As your child grows, it is imperative his or her body knows what to do. Developmental therapy may be able to help sort out eye problems without the need for more aggressive treatments in the future.
Get More Information
You can get more information about developmental optometry in Arlington, VA, by talking with your eye doctor. He or she will be able to go over the exam routine, and let you know whether it is the right step for your child. You likely want to give you child the best tools for life. Make sure their eye health is emphasized from the start.