An optometrist or ophthalmologist is the one who performs an eye assessment for your child. Screening for vision and quick examination is done by a pediatrician while a thorough examination is performed by optometrists and ophthalmologists.
It is important to ensure that the eyes of your child are healthy and no present visual problems that can interfere with daily living because it can put them in a dangerous situation.
The visual skills such as excellent visual acuity, the accuracy of eye movement skills, eye teaming skills, and focusing skills are important to have that is essential for learning.
Perfect Time to Have Eye Exam
The perfect time to let your child have their first eye exam is at 6 months of age. To be followed at age of 3 and before going into first grade which is at the age of 5 or 6.
The advised time to have an eye exam is at least every two years for school-aged children if there is no vision correction to be done. The recommended examination time for children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses is annual.
It is important to schedule an eye exam when children are alert and happy so that it would not be hard to perform the eye exam.
The eye exams performed depend on the age of the child but in general, case history, testing of vision, checking if you need eyeglass, eye alignment test, and evaluation of eye health. Complications that occurred during pregnancy or delivery may be asked by eye doctors as part of health history.
Inform the doctor right away if your child displays any of the following:
- History of prematurity
- Delayed motor development
- Frequency in eye rubbing
- Blinking that is excessive
- Failure to maintain eye contact
- Eye-tracking skills that are poor
Be sure to let your eye doctor know about the family history regarding eye conditions such as refractive errors, strabismus, or amblyopia.
Eye Testing for Infants and Preschool Children
At 6 months of age, babies are able to see objects because of their focusing ability, color vision, and depth perception.
Tests of pupil responses, “fixate and follow”, and preferential looking are the tests to be used to assess if a baby’s eyes are developing normally.
LEA symbols, retinoscopy, random dot stereopsis are the common eye tests used for young children. Appropriate vision testing is important to ensure excellent visual skills.
Having poor vision can affect a child’s performance in school by not being able to see the text on the blackboard. It is best to detect vision problems and correct them as early as possible.
