Whether you have a new baby or a child getting ready to start middle school, you may have started to search for an "eye doctor near me." That's because pediatric eye exams aren't just for kids who have trouble seeing the board. They are for every child, and it's best if they start early. That's why our team at Barry P. August O.D, P.C. is here to help your child at any stage of their life.
When Do Children Need to See an Optometrist?
Many are surprised to learn that pediatric eye exams start when children are as young as six months old. They are also tested during the preschool years, between age two and five, and will start having more standard pediatric eye exams beginning at age six. Depending on your child's age and developmental level, exams can look different at each of these stages.
Infant Eye Exams (6 months - 2 years old)
Eye exams for babies test their ability to focus, depth perception, and color vision. At Barry P. August O.D., P.C, we test three main areas.
- Pupil response to light
- The ability to fixate on and follow a moving object with his eyes
- Preferential looking, give the child a choice to look at a blank or striped card
Preschool Eye Exams (2 - 5 years old)
Preschool-aged children can communicate better than babies and toddlers, so a few more tests can be done to ensure that their vision development is on track. For children who are this age, they can be tested for:
- Visual acuity test – the test for vision clarity or the "20/20" test
- Lazy eye test – to test for a condition called amblyopia, where one eye is unable to see clearly, even with corrective lenses
- Stereopsis – the ability to see in three dimensions
- Eye-tracking ability
- Convergence – ability to see near objects clearly
- Color Vision – more specific than with babies
- Overall Eye Health
School-Aged Eye Exams (6 - 18 years old)
When children are in school, their exams are more like adult exams, but they are still clearly pediatric eye exams that account for the fact that their eyes are still growing and developing. Visual acuity is tested to ensure that near, intermediate, and far vision is all accounted for. Children are also tested to make sure they can switch focus between close and far away objects and get their eyes to work together. Hand-eye coordination is tested as well as visual perception, which encompasses things like being able to distinguish between letters like "b" vs. "d," the ability to visualize details in a story, and remember details. Kids who struggle with visual skills may need training beyond wearing glasses.
Contact Us for a Pediatric Eye Exam in Bloomfield Hills, MI
If it has been a while since your child has seen an optometrist, it may be time for them to visit our eye doctor to make sure their vision and eye health are functioning properly. To learn more about how we can help, contact us at Barry P. August O.D., P.C. in Bloomfield Hills at (248) 858-2535 to schedule an appointment. Our team is committed to providing the eye care your child needs.
