Regular eye tests in children are important in preventing long-term vision damage. As the American Academy of Ophthalmology explains, children's brains require clear images from both eyes in order for vision to develop normally. If these images are impaired for some reason, the child may suffer permanent limitations in vision. Eye tests can find eye problems early enough that problems can often be corrected before vision loss develops.
Types of Tests
As the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus explains, examiners use a number of different tests to check vision in children. A flashlight may be used to check for correct shape and structure of the pupil, while a red reflex test examines the red reflection from the inner eye lining. Corneal light reflex testing checks for normal reflection from the front surface of the eye. Cover testing, which involves covering each eye in turn, looks for misalignment of the eyes. Visual acuity testing uses charts to test for sharpness of vision in children old enough to understand and cooperate with using the charts.
Recommended Frequency
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, newborns should receive their first eye examination and red reflex test while still in the hospital. Normal screening can be provided by a pediatrician or family doctor; babies at high risk for eye problems should be examined by an ophthalmologist. Between 6 and 12 months, infants' vision should be checked at a routine check-up with their family doctor or pediatrician. Between 3 and 3 ½ years, the child's vision and eye alignment should be examined during a doctor's visit or by someone trained in assessing the vision of preschool children. The child's visual acuity needs to be tested once the child is old enough to understand and comply with the testing procedure. Once the child enters school, he should receive vision screenings during routine check-ups or if a problem is suspected.
Vision Screening vs. Comprehensive Eye Examination
Vision screening refers to the routine eye check-ups that children receive at regular doctor's visits as well as through vision screening programs offered by daycare centers, health departments and schools. According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, vision screening is an efficient, cost-effective way to detect eye problems in most children, since only about 2 to 4 percent of children have an eye problem requiring treatment. Children should, however, receive a comprehensive eye examination by an eye doctor if they fail a vision screening test, exhibit possible symptoms or risk factors for eye problems or have a family history of eye problems.
Symptoms of Possible Problems
Your child may need an eye test if you notice symptoms of possible eye problems. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, possible symptoms include misaligned or crossed eyes, difficulty tracking an object, excessive eye rubbing or squinting, persistent eye redness or tearing, chronic light sensitivity and pain, pus or discharge. Always talk to your child's doctor if you suspect your child may be suffering from vision problems.
Problems Detected by Eye Tests
According to KidsHealth from Nemours, eye tests may detect problems such as: amblyopia, or lazy eye; strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes; cataracts; glaucoma; and refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
