What to Expect From a Pediatric Eye Exam

What to Expect From a Pediatric Eye Exam

Kids grow up fast. Accordingly, you should do everything possible to ensure that your child develops properly. You want your precious child to make the most out of daily experiences and adventures. 

One of the most important aspects of a child’s development is good vision and eye health. There is so much for your little one to learn and enjoy out there. Pediatric eye exams can help ensure that your child is healthy and performing to his/her full potential. They should be an essential part of general health checkups. 

Pediatric Eye Exams

Are you planning to take your little one for a pediatric eye exam? If so, you need to know what to expect. Most pediatricians conduct a brief vision screening during a child’s physical examination. 

However, you need to understand that such screenings cannot substitute for a comprehensive eye exam conducted by a licensed eye doctor. Pediatric eye doctors use specialized diagnostic and clinical assessments and tools to determine children’s visual health and abilities. 

Whether your child is an infant or teenager, a pediatric eye exam will help determine many critical aspects of his/her visual abilities and health. This type of exam involves various tests meant to detect, diagnose, and treat a wide range of eye and vision conditions. Pediatric eye exams are important since vision and eye health are critical for the learning process. 

When Children Should Have Their First Eye Exam

According to pediatric eye care professionals, kids should get their first eye exam at six months. As a parent, you want your child’s eyes to develop normally. After this initial eye examination, you should take your little one for an eye exam after one year. Eye doctors recommend pediatric eye exams at least by age three and before kids start school. 

What to Expect

Here are a few things to expect during your child’s eye examination:

Medical History

During your child’s first pediatric eye exam, you should expect to answer several questions. These include questions about birth history, birth weight, and any complications you experienced during the birthing process. 

You will also need to give the doctor information regarding your family’s medical history, including eye diseases, as well as your child’s medical history. This information should include previous eye issues, current medications, allergies, and any current and former treatments.

Eye Tests

Some eye tests your little one may get include:

• Visual Acuity Test

The eye doctor tests your child’s eyesight at different distances. If your little one is still too young to read, the eye doctor will use a single letter in different positions or shapes to determine depth perception. But if your child can read, the eye doctor will use the standard eye chart. 

• Eye Movement Test

This test involves the movement of a finger or object in different positions. Doing so will help determine whether a child’s eyes are following the object. It can also help determine a child’s peripheral vision. 

Bottom Line

Pediatric eye exams often include several other tests. As a parent, you need to understand the benefits of such exams. This will give you the motivation you need to schedule routine pediatric eye exams for your child.

To learn more about pediatric eye exams, visit Justice Vision Clinic at our office in Duluth, Georgia. You can call (770) 626-7883 today to schedule an appointment.