When it comes to children’s eyesight, regular eye checkups are crucial. Nova Vision Center recommends bringing your child to an optometrist for a baseline eye exam as early as six months of age. Here, we explain how our expert developmental optometrist in Alexandria, VA, can help ensure your chid’s proper vision development.
Understanding Developmental Optometry
Also known as behavioral optometry, this field focuses on visual development and performance, and is especially beneficial for your children’s developing eyesight. In addition to evaluating your child’s visual health and acuity, we may also evaluate their eyes’ focusing and coordination abilities, their ease in following moving objects, and their accuracy in interpreting these images.
Signs Your Child Needs a Developmental Exam
Since most vision problems develop during childhood, you and your child may not recognize them easily. That’s why it’s important to be observant of your child’s daily habits. When reading, leaning too close to the material, covering one eye, frequently losing your place, and experiencing headaches or fatigue are common signs of an eyesight problem. If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, we advise you to bring them to our trusted eye doctor in Alexandria, VA, for a comprehensive eye exam.
Vision Therapy as a Treatment Option
Vision therapy for your eyes works similarly to physical therapy for your muscles. We will create a treatment program that may include sets of eye exercises based on your child’s vision care needs. Repeatedly performing these activities can help improve the coordination between your child’s visual and neurological systems, and can also strengthen the ocular muscles. Our developmental optometrists’ expertise combined with your support and cooperation is crucial in the success of this method.
In addition to vision therapy, we may also suggest using prisms or bifocal eyeglasses or contact lenses in Arlington, VA. If you have any further questions on developmental optometry, call us at (703) 291-0080. You may also send us a message to schedule an appointment.