Children’s eyes need early and regular checkups. Pediatricians will conduct an eye screening during regular doctor’s visits, but these are not alternatives to eye exams. Pediatric eye exams will keep your child’s eyes healthy for many years. 

The exams may vary depending on the doctor, but they check general eye abilities. A pediatric eye doctor will also examine the eyes for potential problems. Read on to learn more about pediatric eye exams and when to take your child to the eye doctor. 
 

Pediatric Eye Exams - The Importance 

Pediatric eye exams are essential for ensuring good eye health. Unlike general screening, eye exams are thorough. They involve the use of different diagnostic tools. The eye doctor tests to examine the child’s visual abilities and ocular health. 

Most learning skills depend on visual skills such as accurate eye movements and binocular vision. Another essential skill is the ability to perceive distant objects. 
 

What Pediatric Eye Exams Check

The doctor will check different vision and eye functions. A child’s age will determine the testing process. The tests will help check for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. You can expect the doctor to check for amblyopia and eye movement problems to establish proper eyes development and their reaction to light and darkness.  
 

Your Child’s First Eye Exam

Experts recommend that the first eye exam be when a child is six months old. It will help ensure that the eyes are developing well. The next exam should be at two or three years. The one after should be just before the child starts school. During the first eye exam, the eye doctor will ask about the child’s birth history, birth weight, and pregnancy or delivery complications. 
 

Preparing Your Child for the Exam

If your child is old enough to understand, you can sit him down and explain what an eye examination is all about. Discuss what the visit to the eye doctor will entail in simple language. Explain that the exam will not hurt but involves looking at different objects, shapes, and letters. 

For your young baby, ensure that they are in a good mood. Choose a time when your child is well-fed and fully awake. This will ensure that the exam goes well. 
 

Dealing With Eye Problems

If you or your child’s pediatrician suspects that your child has an eye problem, you need to visit a pediatric eye doctor. The eye doctor will examine the child’s eyes. Early diagnosis of eye diseases is vital to effective treatment. 

The exams help determine if the eyes are developing as they should. Treating or managing eye issues early will prevent the worsening of the condition. Amblyopia or lazy eye is a common vision problem among kids. It affects the eye’s ability to see in detail. If detected early, the condition is reversible. 

It is crucial to talk to the doctor about delays in motor development that your child is experiencing. Signs to look out for include difficulty maintaining good eye contact, frequent blinking or eye rubbing, and poor tracking skills. 

For more on taking your child to the eye doctor, visit Albright Eyecare at our office in New Braunfels, Texas. You can call (830) 271-4900 today to schedule an appointment.