As a parent, you want to give your kids the best start in life in every way. One way you can do so is by ensuring that their eyes are healthy. However, you may not know the right age to start taking your kids for pediatric eye exams. After all, infants cannot read an eye chart.

 

What Is a Pediatric Eye Exam?

This is an expert examination of a child’s vision and eye health and is performed by a pediatric optometrist or pediatric ophthalmologist. It is different from a vision screening performed by a family practice physician or a pediatrician.

 

Only trained ophthalmologists and optometrists have the necessary training and tools required to perform a thorough examination of a patient's vision and eyes. Thus, a vision screening in school or a pediatrician’s office is no substitute for a comprehensive pediatric eye exam.

 

Importance of Pediatric Eye Exams

Your little one needs to have regular pediatric eye exams whether or not they are showing signs of visual or eye problems. Your child may not seem to have a problem now. However, vision and eye problems can develop as they grow and won't always be obvious.

 

Pediatric eye exams are essential in ensuring that your child’s vision is good and that their eyes are healthy. This is because vision and eye problems could interfere with your child’s performance in school. Additionally, vision problems can jeopardize your little one’s safety.

 

When to Start Taking Your Child for Pediatric Eye Exams

Some eye and vision problems some kids develop early in life can affect them for life. However, identifying and managing a minor problem early can prevent it from worsening and becoming harder to treat over time.

 

According to the American Optometric Association, infants should get their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age. They should then get additional pediatric eye exams at three and just before they start first grade.

 

School-aged kids, on the other hand, should have pediatric eye exams at least once every two years. However, this applies to those who do not require any form of vision correction. For those who need contact lenses or eyeglasses, eye doctors recommend annual pediatric eye exams.

 

When Are Pediatric Eye Exams More Important?

Eye examinations are more important in kids with a parent or sibling with a serious eye condition. Examples include lazy eye, turned eye, and crossed eyes. If your pediatrician detects an eye problem in your child or you suspect an eye problem, pediatric eye exams become more important.

 

Go With Your Gut

When it comes to the health and well-being of your child, you always need to trust your instincts. You know your little one best and will probably be the first to notice any signs of a problem. If you think that something is wrong with your child’s vision or eyes, take them for a pediatric eye exam.


 

For more information on pediatric eye exams or to schedule an appointment for your little one, contact Great Lakes Vision Care at our office in Monroe, Michigan at (734) 212-5157 today.