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If you answered "Eyes", you’re right! Yet studies show that only 31% of children between the ages of 6 and 16 have an annual eye exam. That number drops to just 14% for children under 6 years, the age at which most vision problems can be treated to prevent permanent damage.

The American Optometric Association recommends scheduling a child’s first eye exam at 6 months of age. Rio Eyecare offers InfantSEE complimentary eye and vision assessments for infants 6-12 months of age. Dr Jennifer Planitz recommends that a comprehensive annual eye exam begin at age 3.

But what about the "vision screenings" performed by a school nurse or a pediatrician? Won’t they detect vision problems? "Only partially, states Dr. Clatanoff, vision-screening methods detect only 40-65% of children with vision problems. Even if your child has passed a vision screening, a comprehensive eye examination can reveal diseases or other conditions such as Amblyopia (lazy eye) that would go undetected in a vision screening."

Vision problems may interfere with your child’s ability to learn, contribute to disciplinary problems and put your child at risk for permanent vision loss. ◊

DID YOU KNOW?

1 in 4 children has an undetected vision problem that can interfere with learning.

Dr. Jennifer Planitz

and

Dr.Craig Clatanoff

own and operate Rio Eyecare located at

4100 Crestview Dr. Rio Rancho.

The Doctors can be contacted at

505-891-2020

www.visionsource-rioeyecare.com