Pediatric Eye Care: Ensuring Healthy Vision from Infancy to Adolescence
Our pediatric eye care services at San Tan Eye Care cater to children's unique needs. We provide a welcoming, child-friendly environment where children feel comfortable and at ease.
From infancy through adolescence, we're committed to monitoring and supporting your child's vision health, ensuring they have the foundation for a lifetime of clear vision.
Comprehensive Eye Care for Children in Maricopa County
We offer services specifically designed for pediatric patients in Gilbert and Phoenix. These include vision therapy for children with visual processing issues, protective eyewear for sports and activities, and guidance on preventing eye strain from screen use. We also provide a selection of kid-friendly frames and lenses that are durable, comfortable, and stylish, encouraging children to wear their glasses confidently.
Vision Care from Birth to 24 Months
The first two years of life are critical for a child's visual development. San Tan Eye Care recommends requesting your baby's first eye exam between 6 and 12 months. During this initial exam, our pediatric eye care specialists assess visual acuity, eye alignment, and overall eye health, ensuring your baby's eyes are developing correctly.
Early detection of conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye) during this period can lead to more effective treatments, setting the foundation for healthy vision.
Eye Care for Children Ages 2 to 5
As your child enters toddlerhood and preschool age, vision becomes increasingly important in learning and development. San Tan Eye Care provides comprehensive eye exams for children ages 2 to 5 to screen for common vision problems affecting learning, such as refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism).
Our friendly and engaging approach ensures children feel comfortable during their exam, making it a positive experience for both children and parents.
Vision Support for School-Aged Children: Ages 6 to 18
School-age children and adolescents require regular eye exams to ensure their vision supports their academic and extracurricular activities. San Tan Eye Care offers functional vision exams focusing on the visual skills necessary for effective reading, writing, and classroom work.
We also screen for sports-related vision needs and discuss the importance of protecting your child's eyes from digital screen exposure. We provide a wide selection of age-appropriate, durable, and stylish options for children needing glasses or contact lenses.
What To Expect During A Pediatric Eye Exam
We conduct comprehensive eye examinations for children that are gentle and interactive to make them feel comfortable and at ease. The examinations include tests to check visual acuity, eye alignment, eye health, and other important functions. Our approach is customized to suit each child's age and developmental stage, using games and visuals to keep the examination process fun and engaging.
Importance of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams: Safeguard Your Child's Vision Development
Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting and treating conditions that could affect children’s learning and development. Young children's eyes develop rapidly, and conditions like lazy eyes, crossed eyes, and other vision problems can be subtle and often go unnoticed.
Timely interventions through comprehensive eye exams can be simpler and more effective. If there are any signs of a vision problem or if the child has certain risk factors, such as developmental delays, premature birth, crossed or lazy eyes, family history or previous injuries, more frequent exams are recommended.
Preparing Your Child for Their Eye Exam: Helpful Tips
- Explain to your child what to expect during the exam positively and reassuringly.
- Encourage your child to ask questions and express any concerns they may have.
- Schedule the appointment at a time when your child is well-rested and relaxed.
- Bring their favorite toy or book to help keep them occupied while waiting.
- Assure your child that the exam is painless and that they can trust the eye doctor to take good care of them.
