The Importance of Routine Pediatric Eye Exams

The Importance of Routine Pediatric Eye Exams

The Importance of Routine Pediatric Eye Exams

The Importance of Routine Pediatric Eye Exams

Newborns go through different tests immediately following birth, and one is specifically for their eyes. However, once they leave the hospital, it’s the parent’s responsibility to ensure their health and safety. To help, doctors provide a schedule of when babies and toddlers need their eyes examined.
 

When Do Children Need Eye Exams?

 

It’s important to note that vision screenings commonly performed by pediatricians and schools aren’t the same as comprehensive eye exams. Screenings are limited as to what they can detect, whereas exams help optometrists diagnose vision problems. So, even if a child is screened, they still need routine pediatric eye exams.

As a rule of thumb, parents should follow the schedule below:

  • 0 to 6 Months Old – During this timeframe, a child should have their first comprehensive exam done.

  • 3 Years – At the age of three, they need a second comprehensive eye exam.

  • 5 to 6 Years Old – Before starting first grade, they’ll need another eye examination.

  • 6 to 18 Years Old – Once a child begins to attend school, a doctor should examine their eyes every two years.


At any time and for a myriad of reasons, an eye doctor could request more frequent exams.
 

What Makes Pediatric Eye Exams Essential?


According to statistics, roughly 10% of all preschool-aged children have some kind of vision disorder. However, that increases to 25% once kids start regular school. Not only do eye problems make it difficult to learn, but they can also affect a child’s behavior.

After all, dealing with blurriness and other issues can have an impact on their cognitive, social, and physical development. For instance, if a child can’t read the whiteboard at school, they would likely fall behind academically. Parents might also have a hard time getting them to complete their homework.

Also, some vision disorders are related to physical problems, or they can cause them. That means children need to see a pediatric eye doctor based on the schedule provided.
 

What Do Eye Doctors Look For?


As part of a comprehensive eye exam, a doctor will look for telltale signs of a vision problem. If they suspect something, they’ll perform different tests to offer a firm diagnosis. These are some of the most common conditions detected:

  • Hyperopia (farsightedness)

  • Myopia (nearsightedness)

  • Strabismus (crossed eyes)

  • Amblyopia (lazy eye)


Along with having a child’s eyes regularly checked parents should also look for any concerning signs. These include things like headaches, squinting, tilting the head to one side, eye strain, and frequent blinking. However, kids often become clumsy, avoid activities, and struggle to focus due to poor vision.
 

The Best Solution

 

Having good vision is critical for your child’s physical, mental, and emotional development. The combination of having them seen regularly by an optometrist and you looking for possible signs of trouble is the best way to maintain their healthy eyes.

For more on pediatric eye exams, visit Dr. Fallon Patel and Associates in Oakville, Burlington, and Hamilton, Ontario. For our clinic in Oakville, call 905-845-5653; for Burlington, call us at 289-266-0284; and for our Hamilton offices, call 289-678-0121 or 289-678-0120.

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