How often do children need eye exams?
The American Optometric Association recommends the following eye exam schedule for healthy children with a low risk of eye issues:
- First exam at 6-12 months old
- A minimum of one exam between ages 3-5
- An exam before starting first grade
- Annual exams after that until age 18
For at-risk children, the optometrists at Antelope Valley Optometric Center may recommend a more frequent exam schedule.
What factors can put children at a higher risk for eye problems?
There are many issues that could potentially put children at a high risk of developing eye problems. These include all of the following:
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
- Family history of issues like nearsightedness (myopia), strabismus, or retinoblastoma
- Fetal distress during labor
- Maternal infection during pregnancy
A doctor performs a basic eye exam at the time of a baby's birth. Sometimes, doctors may discover eye infections or structural issues at that time. In such cases, children may require more frequent optometric care during childhood.
How does a complete pediatric eye exam work?
The optometrists at Antelope Valley Optometric Center usually dilates a child’s pupils during a pediatric eye exam, which requires just a few quick drops in the eyes.
During a pediatric eye exam, the optometrist checks several things, including:
- Need for vision correction
- Retina health
- Eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
- Eye muscle movement and coordination
- Eyelid health
- Peripheral vision
If the child needs a prescription to correct their vision, the optometrist conducts a short series of tests to determine what prescription will give them the clearest vision.
What are the signs and symptoms of vision problems in children?
Sometimes, a child's vision may change between their regular checkups. Some potential signs and symptoms to watch for with children include:
- Using their finger when reading
- Regularly misreading words or letters
- Squinting
- Worsening school grades
If a teacher reports a child is behaving differently or they seem to suddenly be struggling in school, or if any of the other potential signs of eye problems are present, schedule an appointment at Antelope Valley Optometric Center.
The experienced optometrists and their staff at Antelope Valley Optometric Center strive to make sure children and their parents feel comfortable at all times. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to schedule a pediatric eye care exam.
