Pediatric Ophthalmology
Good vision is important for child development, safety and education. It is imperative for children to have comprehensive eye exams, as they often may not recognize the symptoms of poor vision or be able to communicate them properly. Many conditions, if not treated at a young age, can result in permanent vision loss.
As a general rule of thumb, eye exams should be conducted as follows:
Newborns – A general vision assessment should take place by a health professional within a day of birth. If you suspect poor vision in your infant, a more thorough exam should be scheduled. By the age of four months, babies should begin using both eyes fully. Signs of poor vision at this time include crossing of eyes, disinterest in familiar faces or age-appropriate toys, eyes that rove, and squinting.
6 Months – A general vision screening should take place at this time. If there are concerns eye health, or a family history of eye problems, a comprehensive exam should be conducted.
Ages 3 to 19 – Eye screenings every two years to check for possible vision problems, including strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), Ptosis (dropping of the upper eyelid), Refractive errors (nearsighted, farsighted, etc.).
Common conditions treated include:
Eye Protection For Kids
Children and adolescents are generally more physically active than adults. This increases their chance of eye injuries. For this reason, we recommend that kids wear goggles or some other form of protective eyewear when participating in activities involving possible contact with others or with equipment. A wide variety of such eyewear is available. Ask us for recommendations.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
952.832.8110 or online.