Kid’s Eye Exams
Pediatric vision problems can manifest at any stage of their development. Early detection of any disease of the eyes or vision function is critical.
During early childhood development, our brains coordinate with each eye to see images clearly. Objects may appear blurred to a small child, allowing one eye see more clearly than than the other. It is crucial that this is detected as early as possible, as the communication or message may be unequal between the two eyes. This can lead to AMBLYOPIA or “Lazy Eye”.
Amblyopia is commonly known as a “lazy eye” and is described as reduced vision in one eye compared to the other. Amblyopia is the most common cause of visual impairment among children.
What Causes Amblyopia/ “Lazy Eye”?
Strabismus: where the the muscles behind the eye, which control how they turn and move, become imbalanced. The eyes may cross inward or move in opposite directions.
Unequal eye glass prescription:
Sometimes vision is stronger with one eye than the other eye. This lack of focus can cause the eye to stop sending messages to the brain thereby reducing vision in that eye.
Other Causes of Lazy Eye:
Droopy eyelid, cataract, injury, squinting, head tilting, depth perception problems, and basically anything depriving an eye from seeing clearly.
Pediatric Exam:
Dr. Grace will perform kid friendly testing of your child’s eyes . A child’s comprehensive eye examination will include testing of the following visual skills:
- Acuity – Distance Vision: visual acuity (sharpness, clearness) at 20 feet distance.
- Acuity – Near Vision: visual acuity for short distance (specifically, reading distance).
- Vision testing with prescription lenses to determine if eyeglasses are necessary.
- Eye Tracking and Fixation Skills
- Depth Perception
- Eye Teaming
- Convergence and Eye Teaming Skills: the ability of the eyes to aim, move and work as a coordinated team.
- Color Vision: the ability to differentiate colors.
- Ocular Health Assessment including a Dilated Eye Examination to ensure the internal eye health is normal.