The Importance of Routine Pediatric Eye Exams

Most parents know how important it is to take their child in for a regular checkup with the pediatrician. The pediatrician does a thorough exam, including a basic vision screening with an eye chart. They will also ask the parents, and the child if possible if they have noticed any issues. But this is a very basic exam and will not catch all vision issues a child may have.

Many parents do not know that their child has a vision problem until they enter school and begin to struggle. Children also may be too young to explain that they have vision problems and instead may act out or misbehave. A vision professional is better equipped to assess vision needs.

The First Exam

A child’s first vision exam should occur around six months of age. While this may seem very young, it is actually to examine the child’s eyes for any unusual development. Parents might not think that six months is old enough to determine any problems, but the doctor will ask questions and perform some simple tests.

The doctor will ask if there is any family history of vision problems. He will ask if there were any issues during pregnancy or birth complications. He will check that the baby’s eyes track and follow an object, and try to make eye contact.

In the Preschool Years

Between one and three years old, children should have their vision checked again. The doctor may opt to take photos with a special camera to test for lazy eye in addition to testing tracking and eye contact. Doctors recommend another vision checkup between the ages of three and five years old to track development. These children may be able to perform an eye chart test even if they cannot yet read by identifying simple symbols. The doctor will also ask the child if he or she can distinguish colors as well.

If the Doctor Suspects a Problem

The doctor will ask a series of questions about the child’s development and will want to know about any delays or problems. If he suspects there might be an issue, there are many tests he can perform to identify possible problems, including:
 

• Retinoscopy.

• Random dot stereopsis.

• Ocular examination.

The pediatrician or ophthalmologist can perform more assessments to rule out other vision problems. Performing these exams at this age is critical to identifying vision problems early on.

Vision Checks Throughout Childhood

Children are always growing. Their vision can change over time, and regular pediatric checks can allow doctors and parents to work together to find solutions. If a child starts struggling in school, complains of headaches or one eye doesn’t seem to line up, the doctor will want to do a comprehensive eye exam. This involves dilating the pupil to diagnose any signs of eye disease.


 

Many children who never had vision problems in their early childhood discover that their eyes change as they enter puberty. Regular eye exams can catch these changes since the doctor will ask very specific questions. The doctors at Davie Family Eye Care, located in Davie, Florida, specializing in pediatric vision care. Call (754) 238-5360 to schedule an exam for your child today.