From 6 months old to 106 years old - everyone needs an eye exam

(ARA) - Almost 80 percent of preschool-aged children never have an eye exam. And many vision screenings in school don't test for common eye diseases. What can you do to help protect your family's eyesight? A regular eye exam - during Family Eye Health Month - is a great way to start!

Sears Optical is sponsoring Family Eye Health Month in March to remind families of the importance of having their eyes examined regularly.

"Many parents think their children's eye exam needs are being covered during school eye checks," said Dr. Michael Cohen, vice president, Professional Services, Sears Optical. "When in fact, those are simply screenings, mainly checking to see if the child can read a chart. That's why it's important to have a doctor of optometry check your child's eyes for other problems, including childhood diseases."

Prevent Blindness America recommends that children have a professional eye exam at six months of age, before entering school (age four or five) and periodically throughout the school years. Certain eye diseases are linked to heredity and should lead to more frequent exams for the family.

"There are certainly ways to determine if your child is having difficulty with their vision," said Dr. Cohen. "For example, they may rub their eyes excessively, shut one eye, hold objects close to their eyes, squint, have red or watery eyes or complain of headaches, dizziness or double vision."

But mom and dad shouldn't be left behind in all this talk about kids - they should have a regular eye exam at least every 18-24 months. According to Dr. Cohen, "Any changes in vision, including, among other things, trouble adjusting to dark rooms, difficulty focusing, difficulty driving at night, double vision, excess tearing, dry eyes or seeing spots, should be reported to your eye doctor."

If you are having trouble seeing or suspect your child might be having trouble seeing, visit www.searsoptical.com or www.preventblindness.org for more information.

Family Eye Health Month is sponsored by Sears Optical.