Pediatric eye exams help identify vision problems early – even before your child can describe them. Learn how conditions like lazy eye and crossed eyes are diagnosed and treated, and why regular eye care is essential for healthy development.
What a Pediatric Eye Exam Looks for
When parents bring their child in for a routine eye exam, especially if there aren’t any noticeable issues, the goal isn’t just to confirm 20/20 vision. Pediatric eye exams are structured to catch early signs of conditions that can affect your child’s development, learning, and daily comfort.
At Margolies Family Eye Care, the clinical team uses tools like the Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener to check for:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye): A condition where one eye doesn’t develop proper vision, usually due to significant differences in prescription between the two eyes.
- Strabismus (crossed or turned eyes): Misalignment of the eyes that may indicate a need for glasses or more advanced intervention.
- Refractive errors: Including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Other visual function concerns: Even subtle problems can impact school performance and behavior.
This equipment allows Dr. She Seesfine to perform effective evaluations from infancy through school age, catching signs even when a child may not yet be able to verbalize their symptoms.
What Happens if a Problem Is Found?
One of the most common concerns for parents is the term “lazy eye,” which is the layman’s term for amblyopia. If diagnosed, the course of action often begins with prescription eyeglasses. In many cases, treatment also involves patching the stronger eye to encourage development in the weaker one. This simple but effective strategy strengthens visual input from the underperforming eye over time.
For strabismus, where the eye visibly turns in or out, treatment may again begin with eyeglasses. Depending on the severity, patching may be added – and in some cases, surgical consultation is recommended to correct the misalignment.
Dr. She Seesfine explains that these conditions often arise because of a difference in vision between the two eyes, such as one eye being significantly more farsighted than the other. The brain may start to ignore the blurry input from the weaker eye, leading to underdevelopment. Genetics often play a role, and the shape or length of the eye can influence these outcomes.
Why Early Detection Makes a Difference
Kids don’t always know how to articulate what they’re seeing – or not seeing. They may not realize that blurry vision or eye strain isn’t normal. That’s why it’s so important for parents to take a proactive role in their child’s eye care, even if everything seems fine. Eye conditions like amblyopia are most treatable when caught early, ideally before age 7. The longer a child goes without treatment, the harder it becomes to retrain the eye and restore normal vision.
Early detection allows for less invasive treatment and better long-term results. Glasses or patching might be all that’s needed if the issue is caught in time. But if ignored, these issues can lead to permanent vision impairment – and increased difficulty in school, sports, and social interaction.
How Often Should Kids Get Eye Exams?
For children with healthy eyes, a comprehensive eye exam once a year is typically sufficient. However, if your child is being treated for amblyopia or strabismus, they may need to return more frequently – sometimes every six months, or even every three months, depending on how they’re responding to treatment.
Why does timing matter? Children’s eyes grow and change rapidly, and so can their prescriptions. Frequent visits let Dr. She Seesfine adjust treatment in real time, ensuring progress isn’t stalled. Whether it’s a minor prescription change or a big step in managing lazy eye, these check-ins help ensure your child is on the right track.
Pediatric Eye Care from Margolies Family Eye Care
We believe every child deserves the best possible start when it comes to their vision. Our pediatric exams are designed to be calm, engaging, and thorough – giving parents peace of mind and kids the care they need. We’ll walk you through every step of the process and explain what we’re seeing in plain language, so you always know what’s going on.
From fitting frames to long-term treatment planning, we’ve got the experience, technology, and compassion to take great care of your child’s eyes.
If your child hasn’t had a comprehensive eye exam in the past year – or if you’ve noticed any signs of squinting, eye rubbing, or reading struggles – give Margolies Family Eye Care a call or book your appointment today. We’re here to help your family see clearly.