Pediatric

Regular eye exams are a crucial component of health care in young children that often is not given the attention it demands. Most children will have healthy and normal-functioning eyes, but there is always a risk for eye disease or damage, most of which are more easily treatable in children than in adults, which is why pediatric eye exams are so important.

Newborns will undergo an eye examination by the family doctor or pediatrician within the first few days of birth, and most congenital eye conditions will be identifiable then. Most children will not fall into this category, but that does not mean that future eye exams are not necessary. As time passes, your child’s eyes will become stronger and more aligned, and the infant will learn to focus on objects, lights, and sounds and follow their movement around them. All of these milestones will be progressing within the first six months of life.

At six months it is recommended that every child be scheduled for a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, separate from a scheduled check-up at the pediatrician’s office. These professionals have equipment and training specifically for eye care that can make a difference in your child’s life, and so this appointment is an important juncture for your child’s health and development. Significant issues are not common, but identifying them early will make curing and treating them most successful. In a separate section of this article we will discuss the most common pediatric eye conditions, their implications and treatments.

If at 6 months the child’s eyes appear to be developing normally that does not mean that your child will not require eye care or examination later on. It is recommended that even children with no diagnosed eye conditions get a full eye exam every two years to track progress and development. Definitely before entering kindergarten, around five years old, each child should have an assessment. This is because good vision is so intrinsically associated with school success, and identifying a problem in your child’s vision as he or she enters school will ensure that difficulties in school do not arise out of an eye-related issue, especially if treatment was possible.

What should I expect for my child’s first eye exam?
To ensure your child has a positive first experience with his/her eye doctor, schedule your child’s appointment in the early morning or after nap-time.  Bring along a bottle or sippy cup to keep them occupied & comforted.   During the exam Dr. Sarah Ward will use some different techniques to gather information about your child’s developing visual system – including using different lights, looking at different pictures and objects.  Do not feel like you have to “coach” your child to provide the “right” response.  Any response given provides good information!

What is pupil dilation?
Dr. Sarah will use some eye drops to dilate your child’s pupil and relax the focusing mechanism in his/her eye.  These will last for at least 4 hours, and possibly the remainder of the day depending on the strength of the drops used.  Pupil dilation allows for Dr. Sarah to examine the entire retina, or inner layer of the eyes.  Also, when the focusing mechanism is relaxed, she can fully assess the amount of refractive error, or prescription needed to correct his/her visual acuity.

These drops will cause your child’s vision to be blurry for several hours.  This is especially noticed at near.  Sunglasses will be needed to reduce light sensitivity.   We will be happy provide disposable sunglasses for your child’s comfort!

For more information on your child’s visual development, click here.