What age should my child get an eye exam?
Why are eye exams important?
Children need all of the following for proper eye and vision development:
- Near vision
- Distance vision
- Binocular coordination (two eyes working together)
- Eye movement skills
- Focusing skills
These are all evaluated during an annual eye exam.
What should I expect at an eye appointment?
- A case history
- Testing of the vision
- Testing of the eye's ability to work together
- Eye health evaluation
- Determination of prescription
Do my child's eyes have to be dilated??
Yes.... We will discuss this more before-hand, but usually we dilate all kids, especially if it is their first eye exam.
Why?! Isn't that just awful, and traumatic?!
No! We try to make it as quick and easy as possible. Dilation in children is SO important. Not only are we able to evaluate the full ocular health when dilated, but kid's prescription and vision truly depends on us dilating the eyes, especially at the first exam. Kid's focusing systems are so strong, they play a lot large role in prescription, and thus functioning of the eys and vision, compared to adults. Because of this, we need to evaluate the vision and prescription with their focusing system relaxed, which occurs during a dilation. We have a therapy dog, a super friendly and sweet golden-doodle, Laci, to help ease any anxiety that may be associated with a quick eye drop.
Is there anything I need to tell my eye doctor?
- Premature birth
- Aversion or avoidance of reading or other near work
- Change in school performance
- If your child has failed a vision screening at school
- Rubbing eyes frequently
- Excessive squinting
- Any family history of eye disease or eye conditions
- Screen/computer time at school or home
Don't forget your annual eye exam, or first eye exam on your back to school check list. Come meet Laci and schedule your appointment today!
