Since babies cannot complain of changes or problems in their vision, parents have the responsibility of noticing eye conditions. Older children may not realize they cannot see well, and parents or teachers may notice the need for glasses in school-age children. In order to detect vision problems or prevent a vision-threatening condition, parents should know the signs of a potential problem, as well as how often their children should see an eye doctor.
Infants
Newborns and infants do not need a routine eye exam unless a parent notices a possible sign of an eye problem. Shortly after birth, a doctor will examine a baby to check for apparent problems, though some conditions may not appear initially. As a result, parents must watch for early symptoms of an eye condition. Symptoms may include an irregular shape or color to the pupil or outer surface of the eye, one eye turned in or out, or red, watery eyes, says The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. During a child's each well-baby exam, the pediatrician will check the child's eyes. However, if parents notice any physical abnormalities of the eye or gradual changes, they should contact a pediatrician or eye care professional immediately.
Young Children
During the early years, around age 3 to 4, children should have an eye exam to test how well they can see, says The Nemours Foundation. If a family has a history of early vision problems, parents should discuss this with a pediatrician to determine if visual acuity testing should occur earlier. By the age of 5, a pediatrician or eye doctor should evaluate how well the eyes align. Young children with one eye that turns in or out, a condition called strabismus, may require treatment to encourage the turned eye to function properly. School-age children may exhibit vision problems with an inability to read words in a book or at a distance. Parents may notice squinting, as well. In such cases, a doctor may prescribe glasses to improve vision. Children with good vision and healthy eyes should have an eye exam every two years. If a child wears glasses or has an eye condition, the eye doctor may recommend annual or frequent visits for evaluation.
Teens
Teenagers should have an eye exam at least every two years, though, like young children, the eye doctor may recommend exams on a different schedule depending on the health of the eyes. Some teens who need prescription eyewear will choose to wear contact lenses. Parents should discuss the responsibility that comes with caring for contact lenses. Improper use of contacts may lead to permanent damage to vision, and some teens may not have the maturity to handle such a significant responsibility. During an eye exam, the doctor will discuss the importance of care, and work with the teen to show him how to insert, remove and care for the lenses.
References
- American Optometric Association: Recommended Eye Examination Frequency for Pediatric Patients
- Eye Care America: The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology: Childhood Eye Diseases
- Cleveland Clinic: Children's Eye Exams
- Kids Health: The Nemours Foundation: Your Child's Vision
- All About Vision: Teens and Contact Lenses: What Parents Need to Know
