When Should My Child Start Pediatric Eye Exams?

Every parent wants their child to have a good start in life in every way, including their eye health. Today, vision disorders in children are common due to many factors. Research shows that more than 20 percent of school-age children have vision problems. The unfortunate thing is that vision issues in kids are often hard to detect, as children may not know that something is off about their vision.

 

While parents invest their time and money to ensure their children have good health, they often overlook their eye health. After all, toddlers and babies cannot read an eye chart. Preventive care is vital to keep your children healthy, but that should also include their eyes. Taking your child for regular eye exams is the best way to monitor your child’s eye health. 

 

Do not wait until there is an obvious problem to schedule a pediatric eye exam. How soon and how often should your child have an eye exam?

 

When Should Your Child Start Pediatric Eye Exams?

According to the American Optometric Association, parents should take their children to their first eye exam at six months. Subsequently, the parent should take their children for follow-up appointments set by their eye doctors. 

 

Even without an appointment, you should take your child to regular eye exams at least twice a year, just like adults. You should also take your child for a pediatric eye exam if you notice they are rubbing their eyes or blinking a lot – this could be an indicator of an underlying issue. 

 

Why Pediatric Eye Exams Are Important

Every parent or guardian should pay close attention to their children’s eyes beginning in infancy. Some children develop eye problems early in life. Some are born with vision problems that are not obvious at a very young age.

 

Taking your child to regular pediatric eye exams helps detect problems in their early stages of development. This enables the eye doctors to treat these conditions before they worsen or cause permanent visual disability.

 

What Eye Doctors Look for During a Pediatric Eye Exam

Babies and toddlers cannot communicate if they have an eye problem. They cannot identify letters or say which frames look clearer from a standard eye chart. That is why eye doctors conduct pediatric eye exams differently from regular ones. 

 

During the exam, the eye doctors assess children’s response to changing light conditions and their ability to track moving objects. The doctors also check the eyes' alignment and may do imaging tests to examine the internal structure of the eyes further. These tests help eye doctors check:

 

• Blocked tear ducts
   

• Eye irritation or infection
   

• Difficulties in tracking objects or focusing
   

• Cataracts
   

• Retinal health
   

• Strabismus (eye alignment issues)
   

• Astigmatism
  
   

If your child has an eye problem, the eye doctor will recommend immediate treatment to prevent the problem from becoming worse.

 

How to Get Your Child Ready for an Eye Exam

For the best results during a pediatric eye exam, your child should be awake. Schedule your appointment when you know your child is fully awake and active. 

 

The pediatric eye doctors may turn the eye exam into a game. You can participate during the exams to keep your child engaged and calm. It would help if you carry your child’s favorite snack or toy if they are less than one year old. This helps keep them active during the exam. 

For more information about pediatric eye exams, contact Cobb Corner Eye Care at our office in Stoughton, Massachusetts. You can call (781) 344-3335 today to schedule an appointment.