Babies are born with the eye structures they need to see, but need to learn how to use them, according to the Children's Vision Information Network website. Babies learn to focus their eyes and make judgments based on sight. As they grow, they begin to pick up new skills so that they may stand on their feet and learn to read and write. However, undiagnosed eye conditions can hinder development. Since many of these conditions can be treated successfully if they are detected early on, it is important to perform regular vision testing on children.
Eye Exam Frequency
Infants should have basic eye screenings from birth and throughout their first year. According to Kids Health online, children should see a doctor by age 3 1/2 to check for eye health problems and to take tests that measure how sharp their vision is. At around age 5, children's vision and eye alignment should be tested by their pediatricians. If vision tests fail with pediatricians, children will be referred to eye doctors. Beyond age 5, children should receive routine screenings at school or with their pediatricians. Children with eye conditions--such as children who need corrective lenses--will need to have their vision tested annually.
Screenings vs. Comprehensive Eye Exams
Vision screenings are conducted in places like schools and pediatricians' offices. They are not full eye exams; they simply point out which children should see eye doctors to be properly diagnosed and treated. Because only a small percentage of children have eye problems, vision screenings are a cheaper and more effective way find the children who need no further eye treatments. However, children who are at high risk of developing eye disease and children who display symptoms of vision problems should receive comprehensive eye exams.
Methods of External Screening
Examiners use different methods of screening children's eyes. They will generally examine the alignment, movements and "red reflex," or the red reflection that comes from the inside of the eye. Photoscreening is an automated way to examine the eyes. It doesn't involve a lot of cooperation from children, so it is helpful for screening infants, children who aren't yet talking and children who have developmental delays. Another method of testing is the corneal light reflex test, which involves the examiner shining a pen light to determine whether the light reflects in a similar way in both eyes.
Cooperative Exams
Children need to be able to see clearly near and far and equally with both eyes. They also need to possess a certain amount of eye movement and focusing skills, have some clear peripheral (side) vision, and be able to work with their hands in eyes in coordination. Since children must be able to cooperate with test requirements and explain what they see or don't see, many of these tests aren't performed until about age 3. One cooperative exam, called "cover testing," involves examiners covering each of their subjects' eyes individually to shift any change in alignment in the eyes as tested children fixate on a target. Another cooperative exam is subjective visual acuity testing, which involves asking children to read from a chart from a specified distance away.
Detected Eye Problems
Some of the primary eye problems that can be detected by visual screening are amblyopia (or a lazy eye), strabismus (misalignment), nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, tumors cataracts and glaucoma. Comprehensive exams can test for all potential eye problems.
