What you need to know about vision screenings for your children

Vision has an immense impact on your child’s social and academic development.
This summer, don’t forget to add a vision screening to your child’s back-to-school checklist. 

What is the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?

Vision screenings are brief tests performed by a pediatrician, nurse, or trained volunteer. Regular vision screenings are important to catch eye problems like amblyopia or “lazy eye” early. Vision screenings test visual distance acuity using a vision chart.

Your child’s doctor may also use a photoscreener device to check their eyes. Most children do not need comprehensive eye exams each year. A comprehensive eye exam is indicated if your child fails routine vision screening. A comprehensive eye exam is performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and includes an in-depth exam with specialized tools to assess your child’s overall eye health and vision. 

When should my child receive their first eye exam?

Your child’s primary care doctor should perform regular age-appropriate vision screenings starting in infancy and continuing through childhood. Your child should receive vision screening when they are able to cooperate for the test, usually starting at age 1-2 years and then every one to two years. A comprehensive eye exam is indicated for children who have a sibling or parent with a major eye problem or if an eye problem is detected by the pediatrician or parent. A comprehensive eye exam may be necessary to ensure that your child does not have any eye conditions with long-term effects. Children with vision or eye problems may require more frequent eye exams. 

Signs of vision or other eye problems

o    Squinting
o    Eye crossing or misaligned eyes
o    Head tilting
o    Sensitivity to light
o    Sitting close to TV, tablet or book
o    Difficulty with hand-eye coordination 
o    Rubbing eyes
o    Closing one eye to see
o    Excessive blinking

If you notice your child exhibiting any vision or eye problems, don’t wait to schedule an eye exam. Eye exams are not only important for maintaining healthy vision, they can also detect changes in overall health.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the UK HealthCare Advanced Eye Care Pediatric Ophthalmology homepage by clicking here, or call 859-323-5867.