{"id":27650,"date":"2021-10-05T15:48:30","date_gmt":"2021-10-05T15:48:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/ftf\/?post_type=first-things&p=27650"},"modified":"2021-10-05T22:50:32","modified_gmt":"2021-10-05T22:50:32","slug":"keep-an-eye-on-your-childs-vision-health","status":"publish","type":"first-things","link":"https:\/\/www.ftf-stg.magnetry.com\/es\/first-things\/keep-an-eye-on-your-childs-vision-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep an eye on your child\u2019s vision"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your little one learns through their senses and experiences. Their eyesight, which develops rapidly in early childhood, is a big part of how they explore, discover and connect with you and their other caregivers. And because they learn so much through their eyes, it’s important to make sure your child\u2019s vision health is part of their regular check-ups.<\/p>\n

Any problems with your child\u2019s eye health and vision development are easier to correct with early treatment. Most can be treated successfully, usually with glasses, eye drops or patches. But uncorrected vision problems can affect their ability to learn to read and do well in school later on. And some, like lazy eye (amblyopia), can cause permanent vision loss if not caught and treated early.<\/p>\n

Children Don\u2019t Know What They Can\u2019t See<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Babies obviously can\u2019t tell you if they\u2019re not seeing well, but toddlers and older children rarely complain about vision problems. They usually think everyone sees the world the way they do. But statistics show that about 1 in 20 preschoolers have vision problems, so they\u2019re fairly common.<\/p>\n

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Ask for a Vision Screening<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The best thing you can do for your young child\u2019s vision health is to talk with your doctor or healthcare provider about giving your child a vision screening. They may do a vision screening during a well-child visit, but if they don\u2019t, you can ask for one. (\u2018I noticed my child didn\u2019t get a vision screening today. I know it\u2019s important, and I want my child\u2019s vision screened.\u2019)<\/em> You can also get vision screenings through home visiting programs, Head Start and other child care programs, and some community health fairs.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re covered by AHCCCS<\/a>, (Arizona\u2019s Medicaid program), all children\u2019s vision services are free. That includes screenings, eye exams and treatment. Most insurance plans that cover young children include vision services, and there are options available even if you don\u2019t have insurance. Get more information here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In addition to checking with your child’s doctor or healthcare provider, First Things First supports a variety of free screenings for young children in several FTF regions across Arizona:<\/p>\n