Pediatric Eye Exam

Regular eye exams are essential for children since their eyesight changes rapidly as they grow and develop. Healthy vision is crucial for not only academic success, but for daily activities like reading, writing, and sports, all of which demand intense visual involvement. Poor eyesight can affect concentration, performance in school, and overall quality of life. If a child’s eyes aren’t up to the task, they may feel tired, have trouble concentrating, or lose interest in school, sports, and other hobbies.

When to Perform a Pediatric Eye Exam?

According to research, a child should have an initial screening between 6 and 12 months of age. An optometrist can examine the baby’s eyes and perform a test called “red reflex test” which is a basic indicator that the eyes are normal. While an infant obviously will not be able to answer “which is better, one or two”, there are other tests that can and should be done to determine any risk of problems. In a case that the baby is premature or at high risk for medical problems for other reasons, has signs of abnormalities, or has a family history of serious vision disorders in childhood, the optometrist can perform a comprehensive exam.

When a child enters preschool, their visual acuity and eye alignment should be assessed. This can help rule out issues like an abnormally high prescription or strabismus (misaligned eyes), both of which may lead to a condition called amblyopia, sometimes known as “lazy eye”. Beginning treatment as early as possible for these conditions gives the child the greatest chance at achieving normal vision as they develop.

In Illinois, all children are required to have an eye exam upon entering kindergarten, where the child’s eyes should be screened for visual acuity and alignment. In this age group, nearsightedness (myopia) is the most common refractive error and can be corrected with eyeglasses. However, there are now ways to manage myopia and slow down its progression (See Myopia Management).

There are some signs that parents can tell if their child has a vision problem. For example, the child may squint, hold reading materials very close to their face, or complain about things appearing blurry. However, there are some less obvious signs that may indicate vision problems, such as having a short attention span, quickly losing interest in games, projects or activities that require using their eyes for an extended period of time, or losing their place when reading. As well as choosing to avoid reading, drawing, playing games or doing other projects that require focusing up close. Another sign is that a child may turn his or her head to the side when looking at something in front of them. This may be a sign of a refractive error, including astigmatism, so by turning their head helps the child see better.

That’s why it is so important for kids to have regular eye screenings with an optometrist. The earlier a vision problem is found, the earlier we can begin treatment. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child today, and See The Difference with Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear.