With summertime upon us our time spent outdoors will increase dramatically.  In order to maximize that time and enjoy it to its full potential, our vision has to be excellent and comfortable.  Contact lenses allow us to partcipate in outdoor activities without the hassles that can accompany glasses.  Also, contact lenses allow us to wear sunglasses which can make that summer sun more bearable.

It's that time of year once again.  Back to school eye exams provide a great opportunity to make sure that your child has the best vision possible for the new school year.  Ensuring that your child has excellent vision is essential for helping them succeed in the classroom.  It is very difficult to learn if you can't see properly.

One of the most frequent questions I get from parents is "When should my child get their eyes checked?"  Really, any age is a good age for an eye exam.  The american optometric association recommends the first exam around the age of one.  At this point, your optometrist is looking for any major problems that need addressed immediately.  Infant Cataracts and Glaucoma require intervention as soon as possible.  The second exam is usually at three.  Our main focus at this age is lazy eye or amblyopia, eyes turning in or out, a very large prescription, or any other visual problem that will delay the child's development and learning.  Age five is a very important exam.  You want to make sure that your child's vision won't hold them back when they start school.  If your child can't see they can't learn.  While many states require an eye exam before school, some states (like Pennsylvania) do not.  Remember, your child doesn't know what he/she is supposed to see, so they won't tell you there is a problem.  A comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist will give your child the best vision and thereby increase their success in school.