Benefits of Pediatric Vision Care

Eye doctors can now detect and identify many vision and eye conditions in their earliest stages. This is thanks to medical and technological advances over the last two decades or so. Nowadays, a comprehensive eye exam can detect anything from vision problems in infants to age-related eye and vision conditions. 

Pediatric Vision Care

One of the most vital health benefits under the Affordable Care Act is pediatric vision care. All health insurance plans must provide coverage of vision care services for kids. This underscores the importance of pediatric vision care. 

Each state has a benchmark plan that defines coverage for essential health benefits. If you reside in a state where the benchmark plan excludes pediatric vision care, you still have several alternatives. For example, you can use your state’s Children Health Insurance Program or the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Plan.

From the moment a newborn child opens their eyes to adolescence, pediatric vision care is a critical part of their vision and eye health. 

Why Pediatric Vision Care Is Important

The first decade or few years of life are critical for developing vision. This is especially so for kids with certain eye and/or vision conditions. Without proper pediatric vision care, many kids would suffer from a wide range of temporary and permanent eye and vision problems. 

Kids need good vision to reach their full potential. This is one of the reasons why regular pediatric eye and vision care is so important. Whether or not your little one is showing signs of a visual problem, they need to have regular pediatric eye exams. 

Many eye and vision problems tend to develop with age. According to studies conducted by the American Optometric Association, infants should get a comprehensive vision screening at the age of six months. As a parent, you should schedule additional pediatric vision care exams at age three and just before your child enters the first grade.

When Do Kids Need Pediatric Vision Care?

Kids should undergo pediatric vision screenings and care before they start school. Routine pediatric vision care is important to rule out or confirm various vision and eye conditions. You need to understand that several eye and vision conditions can lead to vision loss if not addressed early. 

Most pediatricians do routine vision screenings to check for obvious vision or eye problems in kids. However, this type of screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive pediatric eye exam or pediatric vision care. 

Other Benefits of Pediatric Vision Care

According to most eye doctors, parents should take their kids to a pediatric eye doctor at least once a year. They should do so whether their kids show symptoms of vision or eye issues. Some of the ways pediatric vision care can benefit your child include:
 

• It can reduce the likelihood of a misdiagnosis.
   

• Pediatric eye exams can help your little one perform better in school.
   

• Catching an eye condition early can help save your little one’s vision and eyes. It can also save your child from life-threatening conditions such as cancer of the eye. 

Preserving Your Child’s Eyesight

Pediatric vision care does not hurt. Your child will be safe. The most important fact you need to remember is that good vision can help your little one reach their full potential. Hence, children need regular pediatric vision care and attention.

To learn more about the benefits of pediatric vision care, visit Coers Family Eyecare, PC, at our office in Columbus, Indiana. You can call (812) 408-8400 today to schedule an appointment.