Kids Eye Exam: When Should They Be Getting Checked?
As parents we are always worried about what our child’s eating, how much rest they are getting and if they are behaving properly but we often forget that we need to be keeping an eye on their vision!
Good vision is very important to a child’s physical development, success in school and overall well-being!
Did you know that the vision system is not fully formed in babies and young children? Equal input from both eyes is necessary for the brain’s vision centers to develop normally.
If a young child’s eyes cannot send clear images to the brain, his or her vision may become limited in ways that cannot be corrected later in life but detecting these problems early makes it possible for them to be treated effectively!
When and how should screening be done?
It is essential to check children’s vision when they are first born and again during infancy, preschool and into the school years.
An optometrist or ophthalmologist, a pediatrician or a family physician can perform a childhood eye screening.
When should my child get an eye exam?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus recommend the following exams:
Newborn – An ophthalmologist, pediatrician, family doctor or other trained health professional should examine a newborn baby’s eyes and perform a red reflex test (a basic indicator that the eyes are normal).
An ophthalmologist should perform a comprehensive exam if 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.
Infant – A second screening for eye health should be done at a well-child exam between six months and the first birthday.
Preschooler – Between the ages of 3 and 3½, a child’s vision and eye alignment should be assessed.
- Visual acuity should be tested as soon as the child is old enough to cooperate with an eye exam using an eye chart.
- Photoscreening is another way to check visual acuity that does not require a young child to cooperate with the test. Either approach to testing will determine whether the child can focus normally at far, middle and near distances. Many children are somewhat farsighted (hyperopic) but can also see clearly at other distances
- If misaligned eyes (strabismus), “lazy eye” (amblyopia), refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) or another focusing problem is suspected in the initial screening, the child should have a comprehensive exam by an ophthalmologist. It’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible to ensure successful vision correction and life-long benefits.
School age – Upon entering school, or whenever a problem is suspected, children’s eyes should be screened for visual acuity and alignment.
Nearsightedness (myopia) is the most common refractive error in this age group and can be corrected with eyeglasses. If an alignment problem or other eye health issues is suspected, the child should have a comprehensive exam by an ophthalmologist.
What’s the difference between vision screening and an eye exam?
In contrast to vision screening, a comprehensive eye exam can facilitate diagnosis of visual problems. It involves the use of eye drops to dilate the pupil, enabling a more thorough investigation of the overall health of the eye and the visual system.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises parents to seek a comprehensive eye exam if:
- Their child fails a vision screening.
- Vision screening is inconclusive or cannot be performed.
- Referred by a pediatrician or school nurse.
- Their child has a vision complaint
- Shows abnormal visual behavior, or is at risk for developing eye problems.
- Children with medical conditions (e.g., Down syndrome, prematurity, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, neurofibromatosis)
- Has a family history of amblyopia, strabismus, retinoblastoma, congenital cataracts or congenital glaucoma, these specific eye diseases put children at higher risk for developing pediatric eye problems.
- Their child has a learning disability, developmental delay, neuropsychological condition or behavioral issue.
Make regular eye screenings a priority for your kids, especially with school starting back up! Being on top of eye health is the best thing you can do! Get in today, we have appointments open even same day! Call 480-994-1872 or click here to schedule an appointment!