Pediatric Eye Examinations

It is known that early detection and prompt treatment of ocular disorders in children is important to avoid lifelong visual impairment. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend all children should undergo an evaluation to detect eye and vision abnormalities during the first few months of life, at 6 months to 1 year, at 3 years, and at 5 years.  By age 3 to 31/2 most children can cooperate enough to get a fairly accurate assessment of visual acuity and ocular alignment.  The child should have these initial evaluations by a pediatrician or other medical practitioner.  Any abnormalities on examination, inability to test the child, or family history of ocular disease are criteria for referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist. 

A complete examination includes a refraction. This testing may be manual or automated and verifies if glasses would help the individual see better. Next there is a thorough evaluation of the front and back of the eye using a microscope. For more information please click on What to Expect at your Child’s Eye Examination and How the Eye Works.

Regular eye exams with a fellowship trained pediatric ophthalmologist are invaluable to maintaining your child’s ocular health by detecting therefore preventing disease.