Pediatric Eye Exams
The American Optometric Association recommends a child’s first eye exam at 6 months of age. Unless otherwise recommended, their next exam should be scheduled at 3 years of age and again before kindergarten.
A vision screening at school or the pediatrician’s office is not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. Even if your child passes a vision screening, a comprehensive eye exam is important to test the complete visual system. Dr. Austin and the staff of Austin Vision Care is trained and equipped to handle patients of any age. A pediatric eye exam may look significantly different from an adult eye exam.
Dr. Austin will assess eye health, alignment and if a prescription is necessary without asking, “Which is clearer, 1 or 2?” Many children do not complain about their vision. It is important to bring asymptomatic children in for eye exams (at 6 months, 3 years, and before kindergarten), but also watch for signs of vision problems at home and school that may indicate an exam is needed sooner.
Signs that may indicate your child is having vision problems:
- Sitting too close to the TV
- Holding a book or tablet too close
- Squinting
- Rubbing eyes or excessive blinking
- Head tilt
- Eye turn
- Light sensitive
- Short attention span during near tasks
- Poor hand eye coordination
- Avoiding near tasks (reading, coloring, hand held video games)
Why it’s Important to Get Regular Eye Exams
Comprehensive eye exams often are the first way chronic systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes are detected. Regular eye exams are the best way to ensure eye health and maintaining your best vision possible. They also check for diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.