Pediatricians usually conduct a brief eye screening during annual physicals, but they are inadequate in determining eye health. The screenings are not substitutes for comprehensive eye exams conducted by eye doctors. Eye doctors use specialized tests and equipment to establish visual abilities and ocular health. Children should have their first eye exams before they start school. 

Preparing for a Pediatric Eye Exam

How you prepare your child for the exam will depend on the child's age. Your baby will not understand what is happening, but it helps to ensure the child is happy and relaxed. Schedule the exam for when the child is fed and well-rested.

If the child is old enough to understand, explain about the visit to the doctor. Use age-appropriate examples and explain that the child will need to identify images, letters, or shapes. Be honest with your child, especially if eye drops are required.

Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

The tests conducted during the eye exam will largely depend on the child's age. For babies, the doctor will check for signs of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The doctor will also check for amblyopia and examine how the eyes move and if they are lined up correctly.

Testing will help determine how the eyes react to light changes. If the child is between three to five, the doctor will conduct an eye screening involving charts, pictures, letters, and other objects.

Checking Visual Acuity 

Checking children's visual acuity is essential for proper sight development. During the pediatric eye exam, the child will be instructed to identify images or pictures to determine if the eyes are developing well.

Correcting visual problems early is vital for the child's development and education. Many schools conduct regular vision screenings to check for problems affecting learning. However, the screenings do not check for all vision issues. 

Scheduling Your Child's Eye Exams 

Eye specialists recommend the initial eye exam should be conducted at six months. The exams help ensure normal eye development. After the initial exam, doctors recommend the next exam in three years and the next before starting school.

When the child begins school, annual eye exams are necessary to monitor any changes in vision and eye health. The doctor may recommend additional visits if the child needs vision correction or has an eye health issue.

What to Expect During the Eye Exam 

During the exam, the pediatric eye doctor will ask about the child's birth history and any complications during delivery or pregnancy. The birth process can affect the child's eye development.

The doctor will discuss birth weight, the child's medical history, current medications, allergies, and family history of eye disease. If you have noticed motor development delays or issues such as frequent eye rubbing and poor eye tracking, inform the doctor. The doctor will check pupil response, the ability to fixate and follow, and preferential looking. 

If your child failed a school vision screening, mention this to the doctor during the exam. Eye exams will check how the child's eyes develop at each stage of life.

For more on what to expect during a pediatric eye exam, visit NewView Family Eyecare at our Waterloo, Iowa office. Call (319) 236-2020 to schedule an appointment today.