As a parent, you want to give your children a good start in life. Protecting their eye health will help ensure they enjoy good vision. Eye professionals recommend eye exams from an early age. Doctors can assess whether the child’s eyes are developing properly. Infants do not read eye charts, but there are ways to check their eyes. 
 

Scheduling Pediatric Eye Exams 

Most parents want to know when to schedule their child’s first exam. It is never too early to get your child’s eyes checked. You should schedule the first comprehensive eye exam before your child turns one.

Experts recommend scheduling the exam when your child turns six months. Do not delay the exam because some eye issues may affect vision for life. Early detection will help correct problems before they become severe and harder to treat. Exams help provide preventive care. 
 

The First Eye Exam

Your child’s first eye exam involves more than checking vision. Pediatricians perform limited eye checks soon after birth and in the early years of the child’s life. However, the tests are not adequate for checking for eye abnormalities and other issues.

Eye doctors have relevant expertise to look for eye conditions that can become severe if not treated. A thorough examination of the pupil and other external parts of the eye is crucial. The doctor will check for ocular alignment, eye movement, and other vision issues.
 

Diagnosing Eye Problems

If a pediatrician detects eye issues during regular health checks, they will refer the child to an eye doctor. As a parent, you should contact an eye doctor if you suspect your child may have an eye problem.

Undiagnosed eye abnormalities or conditions can lead to vision loss. If caught early, some of the conditions can be reversed or corrected. Children with parents or siblings with eye problems are more susceptible to developing eye conditions. Your child may have an eye problem with no apparent symptoms. 
 

School Vision Screenings 

Many parents only schedule eye exams if there is an obvious eye problem. Some wait until the child starts school or until the child is ready to read an eye chart. It is essential to realize that school vision screenings are not substitutes for eye exams.

They can miss eye issues that can affect your child’s eyesight. You must schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor before your child starts school. Poor vision can affect your child’s ability to learn. 
 

During Pediatric Eye Exams

Eye doctors use specific clinical and diagnostic equipment and assessments to examine the child’s ocular health. Most school learning is dependent on strong visual skills. Doctors check for binocular vision, accurate eye movements, and the ability to see distant objects.

Be ready to respond to any questions about your child’s delivery, birth weight, and any complications during pregnancy. Inform your doctor of any delays in motor development and health issues. After the initial visit, you can schedule the next at two or three years. 

Regular eye exams are vital throughout your child’s life. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam, especially if your child fails a school vision screening. Detecting eye issues early will help implement an effective treatment plan. 

For more on when your child should have their first eye exam, visit Grandview Eyecare at our Fairbury or Hebron, Nebraska office. Call (402) 729-6162 or (402) 768-6651 to schedule an appointment today.