A child's first years of life are essential as many of their body systems are still developing, so great care must be put into ensuring they do so correctly. Pediatric exams are a form of preventive care that helps keep track of these developing systems.

These are spaced out throughout the life of a child, depending on when they are due to reach certain milestones. The eyes are part of these systems that develop as a child grows, requiring close monitoring to ensure proper maturity.

So, when should your child have their first eye exam? What are some signs of ocular health problems? What happens during an eye exam for a child?

When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

Your child usually has their first eye exam within the first few hours of birth, as a doctor examines them for other issues. They typically check for structural problems or infections when performing this eye screening. Some of the things they will check for include:
 

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Malformed eyelids

• Other common abnormalities

After leaving the hospital, experts recommend that your child get checked when they have other checkups. Eye doctors recommend seeing an eye specialist who is more aware of children's eye health.

In the first year, a child should have eye screenings ideally seven times: in the first week, at the end of the first month, two months, four months, six months, nine months, and at the end of the first year. During these checkups, the American Optometric Association recommends the first comprehensive eye exam at six months and another at 12 months.

What Are Some Signs of Ocular Health Problems?

It is not common for infants to develop eye problems, but they do sometimes. You can look for the following signs of eye problems in infants:
 

• Injuries to the eyes or the structures around them

• Unusual light sensitivity

• Strabismus, or crossing eyes, usually develops at about six months

• Blocked tear ducts, which may cause unusual tearing

• White pupils, or leukocoria

• Nystagmus, or the rapid movement of the eye from side to side or up and down

• Symptoms of an eye infection may include inflamed, encrusted, or red eyelids, typically indicating conjunctivitis

What Happens in an Eye Exam for a Child?

State of the Child

Comprehensive eye exams for children usually require specific skills that help identify issues without using regular tools. When you find a pediatric eye doctor, they typically ask that you come for the exam early in the morning. The reason for this is to ensure that your child is not tired and is alert.

Evaluation 

The eye doctor will first perform a medical history evaluation on your child. This will include any incidents during the birth process and the baby's health at birth. They will also need a family history of eye health to ensure they check for the possibility of your child inheriting any eye conditions.

Tests

The eye doctor will perform specific tests to help them determine their different visual skills and development. The tests usually include visual acuity tests, binocular vision examinations, pupil responses, and overall eye health.

For more on when to schedule your child's first eye exam and what to expect, visit Loman Eye Care at our office in Carmel, Indiana. Call (317) 844-7474​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.