How do I know if my child needs a pediatric eye exam?

Every child benefits from eye exams and baseline vision screenings that are performed regularly at pediatric well-child visits. 

At a minimum, your child needs these regular vision checks scheduled at 6 months of age, 3 years old, and before first grade. During this visit, your doctor may suspect an issue with vision or eye health that requires the evaluation of a specialist at Vision Corner.

Does my child need a pediatric eye exam even if they pass a vision screening?

Vision screenings done at school or in your pediatrician’s office are helpful, but you shouldn’t stop your child’s eyecare there. A vision screening doesn’t replace a comprehensive eye exam.

Up to 43% of children with vision problems are able to pass a basic screening test. These screenings only test a child’s distance acuity. At Vision Corner, your provider evaluates the complete health of your child’s eyes as well as the visual skills essential to learning. 

Factors such as depth perception, binocularity, and eye coordination are all examined. If you have a personal or family history of eye conditions or if your child exhibits behaviors that suggest a vision or eye problem, you should also schedule a pediatric eye exam at Vision Corner.

What specific conditions may be diagnosed at a pediatric eye exam?

During a pediatric eye exam, the doctor may find vision conditions or diseases that have the potential to cause permanent disability or loss of vision without early intervention. These include:

Amblyopia

“Lazy eye” or amblyopia describes reduced vision in one or both eyes due to visual deprivation. This deprivation is caused when the visual pathway in the brain that allows each eye to properly see fails to develop correctly.

Strabismus

Strabismus, or “crossed eyes,” is diagnosed when the eyes aren’t aligned properly. Your child may have one eye that looks straight ahead while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward.

 

You can trust your child’s eye health and vision to the specialists at Vision Corner. Call for an appointment or use the online tool to schedule today. 

We accept many insurance plans. If you don’t see your insurance listed, please call our office.