5 Questions to Ask the Optometrist at Your Child’s Eye Exam

Eyesight is a beautiful, wondrous thing. It is why many people take steps to protect their eyes using sunglasses, safety goggles, regular cleansing, and more. However, kids are too young to appreciate the importance of such measures, making them more vulnerable. Also, most eye problems typically begin in youth, particularly issues with vision.

 

Vision is vital in kids because 80 percent of what they learn is through their eyes. They need good eyesight for social development, academic success, and overall well-being. Their sight provides valuable information about their world. A vision issue may hinder their capacity to achieve their full potential.  Just because your little one has healthy vision does not mean he/she does not need an eye exam. Regular pediatric eye exams are necessary to check whether there is any change in your child’s vision or if he/she has any underlying eye conditions. 

 

The examinations also allow parents to ask questions about their children’s eye and vision health. Here are some of the top questions to ask about your little one’s vision:

 

  • At What Age Should My Child Have Eye Exams?

 

The American Optometric Association recommends that a child’s first pediatric eye exam occur when he/she is between 6-12 months. The following exam should happen at the age of three or as directed by the pediatric eye doctor. Once children begin school, they should undergo annual comprehensive eye exams. 

 

  • Do Children Who Pass Their School Vision Screening Need an Eye Exam? 

 

School vision screenings are insufficient because they can only detect a few visual issues, such as myopia. Studies suggest that up to 43 percent of kids can pass a standard vision screening even if they have a vision problem. In contrast, a comprehensive pediatric eye exam assesses a child’s vision and eye health, as well as a wide range of visual abilities necessary for academic success. 

 

  • What Are the Most Common Childhood Eye Problems?

 

The most common ocular problems in kids are refractive errors, vision loss, strabismus, and amblyopia. 

 

  • What Tests Will You Be Running?

 

Pediatric eye exams involve several tests for vision and eye health. Parents should know what to expect during the examination. This includes the tests to be conducted, whether they are invasive, how to prepare their children, and other factors. They should be thoroughly informed of the care their little ones are receiving.

 

  • What Are the Risks?

 

When you see your child’s pediatric eye doctor, you always want to know the risks involved. If the optometrist needs to perform any invasive test due to a specific discovery, you may need time to prepare, a second opinion, or at least time to tell your child what is happening. 

 

Conclusion

 

Eye examinations are essential for everyone, whether or not they have an existing ocular problem. Kids should undergo regular comprehensive eye exams, but more is needed. Parents should ask questions to help them better assist in their children’s eye care. 


For more on pediatric eye exams or to book an exam, call Southwest Orlando Eye Care at (407) 271-8931 to reach our Orlando, Florida office. 

rats3898 none 8:00 AM -4:00 PM 8:00 AM -7:00 PM 8:00 AM -7:00 PM 8:00 AM -7:00 PM 8:00 AM -4:00 PM 8:00 AM -1:00 PM Closed optometrist # # # https://www.southwestorlandoeyecare.net/schedule-appointments.html https://www.southwestorlandoeyecare.com/contact-lenses.html