Regular eye exams are an important part of a child’s healthcare. Pediatric eye exams can detect vision problems early and help children develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. A scleral optometrist discusses the ideal schedule for pediatric eye exams here.
A pediatric eye exam is a comprehensive assessment of your child’s eyesight. During the appointment, an optometrist will evaluate how well your child can see from near and far distances, their peripheral vision and depth perception, and any underlying conditions or diseases that could affect their vision.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that all children receive comprehensive pediatric eye examinations at least once between the ages of 3 to 5 years old, followed by yearly checkups until age 18 (or 21 if still in school).
However, certain risk factors may increase the frequency with which these appointments should occur. Issues such as premature birth or family history of ocular diseases, like glaucoma, cataracts, retinopathy, diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, strabismus (crossed-eyes) and uncorrected refractive error, may make your child prone to certain eye health problems. Even dry eye, a natural part of aging, affect children and require them to undergo dry eye treatment.
In these cases, it’s best to consult your optometrist, who will create an individualized plan based on your needs and risk factors in your family history and medical records.
When you bring your little one for an eye exam, the doctor will conduct various tests to assess their eyes’ health and function. These tests may include:
Visual acuity test – This measures how your child can see at different distances.
Refraction test – An examination to determine whether corrective lenses are needed for optimal vision.
Color blindness test – A simple screening tool that checks for color deficiencies.
Slit lamp exam – Used to check for any signs of infection or damage on the eye’s surface.
Retinoscopy/autorefractor – A method doctors use to measure refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive pediatric eye exam in Sierra Madre, CA, look no further than Lumen Optometric. Our team of experienced optometrists will work with you to ensure that your child’s vision is healthy and they’re seeing their best. We offer several services, including neurolens treatment, to ensure you and your child’s eyes are in optimal health. Schedule an appointment today! You can also reach us by calling (626) 921-0199.
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