Pediatric eye exams

Children's Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are important for children since their eyes can change as fast as they grow.  Good eyesight is critical for a child’s quality of life and success in school. School demands intense visual involvement for optimal reading, writing, focusing on near and shifting focus from far to near and vice versa. Even physical activities and sports require strong vision as well as good eye-hand coordination and depth perception. If their eyes aren’t up to the task, a child may feel tired, overwhelmed, have trouble concentrating, be irritable, or have difficulty keeping up which may affect their overall quality of life and happiness.  
 

What Age Should My Child Have Their Eyes Checked?
 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child should have an initial eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. After that, routine eye health and vision exams throughout childhood should be performed at age 3 and every following year in order to help detect any abnormalities as their eyes develop.  If crossing of the eyes presents, it should be checked immediately.  
 

Children’s Eye Exam 
 

We utilize specialized testing that is customized for children.  Every adult test for vision and eye health is available in a pediatric format.  We meet your child at their level to make their eye exam fun and stress-free.  For infants and toddlers, preferential looking with Lea Gratings is used to test visual acuity.  It’s easy and engaging for small children.  For preverbal and nonverbal patients, we utilize objective tests to determine their refractive error. 
 

The SPOT Autorefractor is a handheld device that identifies refractive error and eye misalignment in children and adults.

 

Lea Gratings Preferential Looking Test

Signs That Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
 

Does your child:

• Squint

• Move close to books and objects at near to see better

• Have difficulty concentrating and paying attention

• Quickly lose interest in games, books or activities that require use of their eyes

• Avoid reading, drawing, or playing games that require focusing on near

• Turn or tilt their head to the side

• Trip, stumble, or tend to be clumsy

• Show fear of going up or down stairs or crossing over a change in ground or flooring

​​​​​​​If your child shows any of these symptoms, schedule an eye examination.