Infant Eye Development

During the first 12 months, newborns are learning how to use their vision. Early on, when their eyes are still sensitive to light, they favor the comfort of large, bright objects that are nearby. They learn to utilize both eyes simultaneously when their eyes grow, which might be difficult.Children's eyes are learning about all the positives and negatives of vision, from determining distance to seeing a smile. The first eye checkup for a child should be scheduled at 6 months, according to the American Society of Optometry.Seeing an optometrist earlier might help with your eye care questions if your child has a family history of ocular diseases or exhibits symptoms of such conditions. An eye doctor can distinguish between misaligned eyes that will correct themselves and those that won't.Regular pediatric exams are an essential part of maintaining your child's overall health and development. These exams help detect any eye issues early and address them before they grow into bigger problems.

Signs Your Child May Need a Pediatric Eye Exam

Some children are born with issues that need to be detected and corrected early in life to prevent damage. If your child has any of the following symptoms, they may be suffering from an eye condition that needs professional treatment:

Strabismus (inward or outward turning of the eyes)

• One eye drifting or wandering

• Frequent headaches or closing of one eye

• Sensitivity to light or squinting

• Problems seeing objects close up or far away

• Pulling at one eye or the eyelid

• Eye turning in or out while focusing on a nearby object 

What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam?

A Review of the Patient's History . Visual Acuity Test A Comprehensive Eye Exam Dilation (If required)How Often Do Children Need Pediatric Eye Exams? Once you've scheduled a pediatric eye exam, it is critical that you follow through with all recommended treatments and procedures. Most children require yearly exams, but some may need them as frequently as every six months. Children with chronic conditions or those at risk for further problems should be seen even more often.