When it comes to our children, we’ll do whatever we can to protect and care for their health. However, our well-intentioned assistance is often met with some struggle from our little ones – particularly in the face of an eye exam. For guardians of a child with a disability, eye care becomes tougher still, as often, we will struggle to spot the signs and symptoms of vision issues if their discomfort is not verbalized. Similarly, we may have a hard time getting our child into the ophthalmologist’s office comfortably if they have behavioral difficulties.
Despite this, it’s crucial that children with developmental and intellectual disabilities get their eyes checked regularly – as this helpful guide explains. This is because children with disabilities face a higher risk of developing vision issues such as blurred and double vision, as well as color blindness and structural issues within the eye. Not only are these vision problems a difficulty in themselves, but they can also get in the way of a child’s developmental progression and ability to interact with the world – something that many kids with disabilities will already find hard.
So, how can you keep your child’s eye care up to date and ensure the smoothest possible experience for them during an exam? Zocdoc’s guide advises the best ways to reduce anxiety for your child and familiarize them with the process. Often, this can be achieved by simply talking to your child about what an eye exam will involve, or taking a trip to the office beforehand – so that they can begin to learn that they have nothing to be afraid of. The ophthalmologist’s office is a safe, comfortable place to be.
