Eye Exam for Children: Why, When, & How Frequently are They Required?

Generally, parents are aware of their kids’ health. You also must be taking your kids to a pediatrician for regular check-ups. But how many times have you visited a pediatric ophthalmologist? For the unversed, pediatric ophthalmologists are kid’s eye doctors. They specialize in children’s ophthalmology, which means children’s eye care.

Read this article to get the answers to some vital questions regarding kids’ eye care!

Why Should Your Kids See a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?

Eyes play an important role in the overall development of your child. However, unlike adults, kids are unable to spot and report any difference in their vision. Therefore it’s essential to take your kids, even babies, to a pediatric ophthalmologist for regular eye tests. Any eye disease or disorder is easier to cure in the initial stage.

What is the Right Time for a First Eye Exam for a Child?

It would be best to take your kids for their first eye exam as soon as they reach preschool, i.e. when they are 3-4 years old.

What are the Different Symptoms Indicating That it’s Time for an Eye Test for Your Child?

You shouldn’t delay in taking your child to a pediatric ophthalmologist if you spot any of these symptoms:-

• Physical Symptoms

These are the most apparent symptoms which you can spot by the physical appearance. The physical symptoms include:-

• Red eyes

• Crossed eyes

• Squinting of eyes

• Fluttering in eyes

• Swelling around eyes

• Excessive tearing

• Frequent need of rubbing the eyes

• Misaligned eyes

• Bulginess in eyes

• Behavioral Symptoms

Your child may show unusual behavior if he or she is troubled with any underlying eye condition. These kids may watch T.V. and read from a close distance. They might strain their eyes while doing so. Also, you should contact a pediatric ophthalmologist at the eeriest in case of an eye injury.

If the eye problems and vision issues are not taken care of timely, the kid may develop lazy eye and other eye-related syndromes.

• Developmental Delay

After your child turns a year old, keep an eye closely on his/her yearly milestones. If a child is not developing according to age, some assistance from children's ophthalmology might be required. Don’t hesitate if you have the slightest of doubts.

The kid’s eye doctor will guide you further if a detailed eye screen is required in your child's case.

• Eye Injury or Trauma

Kids should be immediately taken to an emergency room if they hurt their eyes or the area around their eyes.

• Family History

It’s common for eye disorders and vision issues to run in the family. If you, your partner, or your parents had vision issues, your kids are most likely to get it. If your elder child was detected with a vision issue, the younger one might also have it.

Get your kids to an eye doctor annually without fail if vision issues run in your hereditary.

What Eye Health Problems can be Detected Through an Eye Exam?

Various underlying eye issues can be detected in a detailed eye exam of kids. Some of them are:-

• Color blindness

• Farsightedness

• Lazy eye (amblyopia)

• Nearsightedness

• Double vision

• Poor depth perception

• Astigmatism

• Eye strain

• Misalignment of eyes

Some autoimmune diseases, inability to focus and diabetes can also be detected during a detailed eye exam of kids. Therefore it’s a vital exam for your kid’s overall health.

Parting Words

Kids do maximum learning through their eyes. Any vision problem in early childhood can hamper their mental and physical growth. Therefore never underestimate the importance of regular eye check-ups for kids. Pediatric ophthalmologists recommend annual detailed eye exams for children. A more frequent eye test may be needed for a child with symptoms of vision issues.

Author Bio:

Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center, which provides leading eye care services through a team of highly experienced eye doctors in Fresno. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visited during his travels.