Pediatric Eye Exams from University Eye Associates
Pediatric eye exams are essential for assessing the vision and eye health of children. They help identify vision problems that could affect a child’s academic performance and overall quality of life. Before you visit University Eye Associates in Charlotte, Davidson, and Harrisburg (Rocky River), NC, continue reading to learn more about pediatric eye exams below!
Scheduling Your Child's First Eye Exam
Scheduling your child's first eye exam is crucial for their overall health and development. It is recommended that all children have a comprehensive eye exam at six months old, three years old, and right at school age. There are several ocular conditions that can be asymptomatic and if caught early, they can be properly treated such as amblyopia or also known as lazy eye. It is important to ensure your child’s eyes are seeing well and developing properly. Our team at University Eye Associates is here to help at all ages.
Components of a Pediatric Eye Exam
A pediatric eye exam can sometimes be very similar to an adult based exam. To obtain the best and most accurate prescription, a dilated eye exam is necessary and recommended. Though photo documentation can sometimes allow for a substitution of dilation, the optometrist may want to also complete a dilated eye exam. The exam starts with checking visual acuity to measure how clearly the child can see. Eye alignment, depth perception, color vision, and binocular vision are performed to ensure the child’s visual system is developing properly. A refraction is performed to evaluate if the child needs glasses. Lastly, there is an assessment of their ocular health. All of these steps help identify if there are any visual issues or concerns.
Common Vision Problems in Children
Children can experience various vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These issues can affect their ability to see clearly at different distances: far, close, or both. These challenges can impact their learning and daily activities. Eye turns and lazy eye can also be a common vision problem in children if not caught early. Regular eye exams help in diagnosing these conditions in their early stages and allow us to provide prompt treatment.
Preparing for the Exam
Preparing your child for an eye exam can help make their experience smoother and less overwhelming. Introducing fingers or objects close to their eye can help prepare them for when the optometrists and technicians use different tools and equipment during their eye exam. Bring any relevant medical history and information about your child's development to the appointment.
Contact University Eye Associates for an Appointment Today
To learn more about pediatric eye exams or to schedule your visit, contact University Eye Associates in Charlotte, Davidson, and Harrisburg (Rocky River), NC, today. We are happy to provide you with additional information and set you up with an appointment. When you’re looking for an optometrist near you, we are ready to assist you!