Pediatric Ophthalmology
Routine Eye Exams for Children
A routine eye exam consists of checking the childrens vision, ocular alignment, pressure in the eyes and dilated fundus exam to check the health of the optic nerve and retina, as well as to determine if the child has a need for glasses. We also measure color vision and depth perception on routine pediatric eye exams.
Vision problems in children can go undetected because of the inability of the child to communicate their vision problems. It is important for children to be checked before entering kindergarten and first grade to determine if glasses are needed.
It is also important to rule out any evidence of amblyopia or lazy eye as treatment and intervention at an earlier age carries a better prognosis. If there is a family history of amblyopia or strabismus, which is a crossing of the eye or lazy eye, then the child should be examined earlier.