Is Your Child Ready for Their First Eye Exam?
A good parent has a lot of information that needs to be tracked during a child’s lifetime: doctor’s visits, eye exams, wellness checkups, and more. Are you keeping up with the right schedule for your children? The best thing that you can do is talk to a medical professional to determine the right timing for these important appointments.
When Does Your Child Need to See an Eye Doctor?
According to the American Academy of Optometry, it is recommended that a child’s first eye exam should be at the age of six months. Even though the child isn’t old enough to talk, the optometrist can test important aspects of visual development to make sure that your child is on track.
Also, keep in mind that certain risk factors might result in a recommendation to bring the child in for an appointment before they are six months old. These risk factors include:
- Crossed eyes
- Family history of vision problems
- Genetic concerns
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
Individual recommendations can be made to support your child’s visual development during this critical time of growth. If problems are identified, then early interventions can be used to minimize the impact on the child in the later years of life. As a result, it improves the likelihood that your child will be ready for school at the appropriate age.
An Eye Exam for Your Baby
Since the child can’t respond to the letters on a vision chart, it might seem silly to schedule an eye exam. But, other things can be measured by the optometrist. During this appointment, the eye doctor will look at the child’s ability to see color, judge depth, and focus on objects. The goal is to make sure that the child is hitting the critical milestones at all stages of growth.
Additionally, the optometrist will look for specific responses in the eyes. Visual acuity can be measured by preferential looking tests. Eye tracking skills can be evaluated to see the child’s ability to follow and fixate on objects. Light exposure can be used to make sure that the pupil response is accurate.
This appointment can also be helpful for parents as well. Do you have questions about protecting your child’s vision? You have a dedicated time when you can ask your questions and learn more from a local optometrist. Our team is always here to answer your questions and ensure that you are empowered to support the growth and development of your child.
Optometry Services for the Whole Family In Chicago
Our team is working hard to provide top-notch optometry services here in Chicago. We understand the importance of good eye health, which is why we use the latest technology and methods in the industry. We offer optimal services for people of all ages. Why not call to schedule eye exams for the whole family?
At Village Eyecare, we are committed to the health of our patients. For more information please schedule an exam with our team. We have four offices here in the Chicago area, so that you can choose the location nearest to your home.
