Pediatric Eye Doctor & Kids’ Eye Exams in Lakewood, CO
During a child’s early years, their eyes are rapidly developing, and this may make them prone to some eye diseases. Diagnosing the diseases early allows the children to get proper treatment and eliminate the detrimental effects of eye diseases later in life. As such, parents must schedule regular pediatric eye exams for their children.
Denver Vision has a team of pediatric eye doctors who understand the unique challenges of ensuring children’s eye health. Here, we take a look at the importance of pediatric eye exams and what you can anticipate during your visit with a kids’ eye doctor in Lakewood, CO. We start out pediatric eye services for children six years old and older.
How Often Should My Child Get Pediatric Eye Exams?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that infants have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months. This initial pediatric eye exam ensures your child’s eyes develop properly and any potential issues are identified early on.
After this exam, it’s advised that children should see a pediatric eye doctor at the age of three for another eye examination. The third children’s eye examination should be just before they start school, around five or six years old. At six is where Denver Vision can be your choice for pediatric eye exams and eye care needs.
The frequency of pediatric eye exams following these initial exams depends on your child’s individual needs and risk factors. For children with no identified vision problems, the AOA suggests regular eye exams every two years or as the pediatric eye doctor recommends. However, children with vision problems or risk factors, such as a family history of eye disease or developmental delay, may require more frequent exams.
What Do You Check When My Child Gets an Eye Exam?
During a children’s eye test, the doctor evaluates various aspects of your child’s vision and eye health. Typically, the exam starts with a review of your child’s medical history and any concerns you may have about their vision.
The next step involves a visual acuity test to determine your child’s ability to see objects from a distance. This test usually involves using an eye chart with varying-sized letters or symbols. The eye doctor may also use a handheld device to measure your child’s refractive error. This allows the doctor to assess how well their eyes focus light.
The eye exam also evaluates the alignment and movement of your child’s eyes. Tests are conducted for strabismus, which refers to misaligned eyes, amblyopia, or lazy eye. The eye doctor will also examine the health of your child’s eyes and the surrounding tissues using tools like a slit lamp. Such tools assess the front and back of the eye.
It’s worth noting that based on your child’s individual requirements, the kid’s eye doctor may recommend further testing. For example, if there is a family history of specific eye conditions or diseases, the doctor may suggest additional testing to screen for such issues.
Why Are Pediatric Eye Exams Important?
Good vision is essential for children’s learning and development. Regular pediatric eye exams are important in detecting and treating children’s vision and eye health issues. Detecting vision problems early on can prevent long-term issues and improve a child’s quality of life.
While random eye screenings are okay, they often tend to miss crucial aspects of eye and vision health, including:
- Dilated eye health examination
- Eye teaming and alignment
- Eye pressure measurement
- Focusing ability
To obtain a comprehensive evaluation of these critical components, it’s best to consult a pediatric eye doctor trained and experienced in assessing children’s eye health and vision.
Request An Appointment for Your Child Today at Denver Vision
If you are concerned about your child’s vision and your child is six or older, scheduling a pediatric eye exam is important. At Denver Vision, we have experienced pediatric eye doctors specializing in children’s eye exams. We aim to ensure your child has the best visual outcome and can reach their full potential in school and daily life.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child’s pediatric eye exam at our Lakewood, CO, practice.
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