Henry Ford OptimEyes optometrists
understand your child's eyecare needs.

Every child should have his or her first eye examination by age three to discover any early signs of vision problems. Henry Ford OptimEyes offers comprehensive eye examinations by experienced optometrists who understand pediatric needs. Our optometrists know that good vision is directly related to a child's ability to concentrate and therefore learn in school. If a child suffers from headaches or eyestrain due to poor vision, they cannot pay attention and will eventually fall behind.

All children's eyewear need to have polycarbonate lenses, a virtually unbreakable material. At Henry Ford OptimEyes children 14 and under receive polycarbonate lenses at no additional charge! That is an $84 savings! 

Common pediatric vision problems include: 

• NEARSIGHTEDNESS
  The ability to see only objects that are near. A nearsighted child will often complain of not being able to see the blackboard at school.
• FARSIGHTEDNESS
  The eye is comfortable seeing at a distance but must strain to see up close, causing fatigue and headaches.
• ASTIGMATISM
  Difficulty focusing evenly on objects that are the same distance from the eye.
• LAZY EYE
  A lazy eye is a perfectly good, healthy eye that does not see well.
• CROSSED EYES
  Crossed eyes are due to an eye muscle problem that may be present at birth or can develop later in life. This condition will not go away on its own and needs to be treated with exercises or glasses since it damages vision, as well as appearance.

If your child requires eyeglasses, it's very important that they fit properly and look good. Here are a few pointers on finding the right glasses: 

• EYE SIZE
  If the child's eyes are too high in the frame, the glasses will not only be uncomfortable, but the lenses may not center properly, causing visual problems.
• BRIDGE SIZE
  The frame should fit close to the face without touching the cheeks or brow area.
• TEMPLE LENGTH
  Skull temples should bend just behind the ear at a 45° angle - your Henry Ford OptimEyes professional can adjust the frames for optimum fit. Plastic frames tend to hold adjustment better than metal frames.
• ACTIVITY
  A child not active in sports doesn't need as sturdy a frame as a more active child. Frames with spring hinges are stronger and will hold their adjustment longer.  

Children will wear glasses more readily if they look good and feel comfortable. Children intuitively know what they like despite current fashion trends and will be more likely to wear frames they have picked out themselves.