Kentucky Law Requires Eye Exams For Kids

School is starting soon, don't forget to schedule an eye appointment for your child, especially if he or she is entering a public or preschool program.

Children between the ages of three and six are required by law in Kentucky to get a comprehensive eye exam. This has been a state law and one of the few in the country since 2000. Doctors say eye exams are very important for children.

Doctors say one in four kids have some kind of vision-related problem. Children between the ages of four and six are at a crucial development where their eyes and brains work together, including learning reading and writing. Kids may not know if something is impairing their vision.

SIGNS OF POSSIBLE EYE PROBLEMS

-Loses place when reading, holds book closer than normal or uses finger to maintain place while reading

-Avoids close work

-Tends to rub eyes

-Complains of frequent headaches

-Turns or tilts head, squints, to use only one eye

-Omits or confuses small words when reading aloud

-Consistently performs below academic potential