Everything You Need to Know About Eye Exams for Kids

Kids’ eye exams are essential to ensure your child has no vision problems and have healthy eyes. It helps to know that early eye exams are crucial because children need the following visual skills:

• Comfortable eye teaming skills
• Good visual acuity at all distances
• Accurate eye movements
• Accurate ability to focus

Read on to learn more about eye exams for kids, so you know what to expect and can make informed decisions.

Why are Kids’ Eye Exams Important?

Children Don’t Realize They Have Eyesight Issues

It is common for kids to have undetected vision problems, which is why it is essential to consult a reputable optometrist and have their eyes checked regularly.

Vision Problems Tend to Develop in Young Kids

Eyesight problems such as myopia develop during childhood. This refractive error may cause difficulties in viewing distant objects. If left untreated, it may interfere with their learning.

Your Kid’s Vision May Be Affected by Modern Gadgets & Technology

Children are often surrounded by computers and other technologies, exposing them to blue light and increasing the chances of developing eyesight conditions. Visiting an eye doctor can keep their vision healthy.

Diagnosis of Vision Irregularities and Prompt Treatment

The sooner the problem is identified, the better. It can help your child cope with the problem and get used to eyeglasses, vision therapy, and more.

In addition to farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism, here are a few common eyesight problems in school children:

• Amblyopia or Lazy eye
• Convergence insufficiency
• Strabismus or Misalignment of eyes
• Colour blindness
• Inadequate depth perception

When Should You Have Your Child’s Eyes Examined?

Keep the following in mind when it comes to kids’ eye exams:

• Ensure that your child has their first comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist when they are six months old.
• Then, have their eyes examined once they are 3 years old to ensure they have no vision problems.
• Be sure to consult the eye doctor before they begin school when they are 5 or 6 years old.
• You may then schedule an eye exam every two years if they do not have any persisting vision issues.
• If your child wears eyeglasses, have their eyes checked annually, or as required.

Eye Testing

Eye Exams for Babies

By the age of 6 months, infants should be able to see well in terms of colours, the ability to focus, and depth perception. The doctor may use the following tests to assess their vision:

• Tests of pupil responses to examine how the eyes react to light
• Fixate and follow to determine their ability to focus on an object and track its movement
• Preferential looking to ensure proper vision development
• Random dot stereopsis testing to make sure your child’s eyes work together well

Eye Tests for Preschool Kids

Listed below are a few common eye examinations for young children:

• LEA Symbols – similar to regular eye tests, except that unique symbols in these exams include objects like an apple, square, house, and circle.
• Retinoscopy – a procedure that helps to identify any refractive error by shining a light into your child’s eyes.

Scheduling Your Kid’s Eye Exam

When consulting your eye doctor, let them know if your child has any of the following:

• A history of prematurity
• Excessive blinking
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Delayed motor development
• Poor eye tracking skills
• Failure to maintain eye contact

Vision Screening and Performance in School

Testing your child’s eyes at an early age is essential to ensure they can do their best in school. If your child can’t see the board or the teacher, it is easy for them to become frustrated, which will impact their academic performance. Additionally, vision problems such as lazy eye are best treated when corrected as early as possible.

Contact U Optical to Schedule an Eye Exam for Your Child

At U Optical, we cater to patients of all ages and are equipped for performing kids’ eye exams. In addition to an extensive selection of eyewear, we have qualified optometrists to examine your child’s eyesight and ensure they have healthy eyes.

If you are looking for a kids’ optometrist near you in Vaughan or Scarborough, be sure to give us a call at 416-292-0075. You could also book an eye exam with us by filling out our online form.

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