Pediatric Eye Exam
Early detection of vision problems is crucial for your child's development. Our comprehensive pediatric eye exams are designed specifically for infants and young children.
Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important for Children?
Children's eyes change rapidly as they grow, with significant development happening within their first five years of life. Good vision is essential for a child's learning and development, as school activities like reading, writing, computer use, and even sports all rely on healthy eyesight.
- Early detection of vision problems that could affect development
- Identification of issues that might impact learning abilities
- Prevention of long-term vision complications
- Ensuring proper eye coordination and focus development
Did You Know?
Up to 80% of learning in children occurs through visual processing. Undetected vision problems can significantly impact a child's ability to learn.
When Should Children Have Eye Exams?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends a specific schedule for children's eye examinations to ensure proper vision development and early detection of any issues:
- 1First comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age
- 2At least one eye exam between ages 3 and 5 to check for long-term effects
- 3Annual eye exams for children 6 years and older
- 4More frequent exams for children with risk factors or existing vision issues
Signs of Vision Problems in Children
Parents should watch for signs that their child might be experiencing vision difficulties. Common signs include squinting, holding reading materials very close, or complaining about blurry vision. Less obvious signs might include short attention spans, losing interest in activities requiring close focus, or using their fingers while reading to keep track.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Excessive blinking
- Poor focusing
- Headaches
- Head tilting
- Covering one eye
- Poor eye-hand coordination
- Difficulty reading
Regular eye exams are essential for identifying and treating vision problems early. The sooner an issue is addressed, the better your child's experience will be, both in school and in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
A comprehensive pediatric eye exam typically takes 30-45 minutes. The exam is tailored to your child's age, attention span, and specific needs.
Eye dilation may be recommended to get a better view of the back of the eye. The drops take about 20-30 minutes to work, and the effects can last 4-6 hours.
For infants, we use specialized techniques that don't require verbal responses, such as preferential looking tests, fixation preference tests, and objective measurements of the eye's focusing power.
Please bring your child's health insurance information, a list of any medications they're taking, and any previous eyewear. Also, bring a favorite toy to help keep them comfortable during the exam.