Pediatric Eye Exams
Importance of Pediatric Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are crucial for children, as their eyes undergo significant changes in a short period. The development of muscles and tissues in the eyes can impact a child’s eyesight, which is closely tied to their success in various aspects of life, especially academics. The demands of school activities, reading, writing, computer use, and sports all rely on strong vision. A child with visual challenges may experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, academic struggles, and limitations in recreational activities, affecting overall quality of life.
When to Perform a Pediatric Eye Exam
According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus:
- Initial screening should be conducted between 6 and 12 months of age.
- Routine eye health and vision screenings should continue throughout childhood, every two years until the age of 18 unless otherwise recommended.
Newborns
- A red reflex test is performed to assess the normality of the eyes.
- Premature or high-risk infants, those showing signs of abnormalities, or with a family history of serious vision disorders should undergo a comprehensive exam.
Infants (6 months to 1 year)
- Pupil response tests
- Fixate and follow test
- Preferential looking test to assess vision capabilities
Preschoolers (3 to 3½ years)
- Assessment of visual acuity and eye alignment
- Early diagnosis and treatment of misaligned eyes (strabismus), “lazy eye” (amblyopia), and refractive errors (astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia)
School Age
- Regular screenings for visual acuity and alignment
- Addressing common refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia) with eyeglasses
Signs of Vision Problems in Children
Parents should be aware of signs indicating potential vision problems:
- Squinting or holding reading materials very close
- Complaints about blurry vision
- Short attention span
- Rapid loss of interest in activities requiring prolonged visual focus
- Losing place while reading
- Avoiding activities that demand close focusing
- Turning the head to the side when looking at something
Regular eye screenings by an ophthalmologist or a trained professional are essential for early detection and treatment of vision issues, ensuring a child’s optimal performance in and out of school.