Know the best time for the first eye checkup in kids

---

Why is the First Eye Check-up important?

• Early detection of vision problems: first eye checkup help detect any vision problems at an early stage. There are many issues that is not identifiable without a comprehensive eye checkup like refractive errors or lazy eye (amblyopia).

• Making Sure Your Child Thrives in School and Beyond: when children face problems seeing clearly, it can affect their performance in school and even how they grow up. Poor vision can affect their attention in the class. This problem can be caught early, we can ensure the kid do his best in school.
• Fixing Eye Problems: Children may experience trouble seeing due to refractive errors, like nearsightedness and farsightedness, which are fairly common conditions and can make things hard for them. By going in regularly for eye checkups with an eye doctor, glasses or other treatments may be prescribed to improve their eyesight and make life more comfortable. This will not only help children see better but also increasing confidence levels and providing peace of mind.

---

When Should You Schedule the First Eye Check-up for Your Child?

• If the child has born normally in 9 Months: If the child has taken birth normally and matured, then the parents can go for the first eye checkup in 2.5 - 3 years. If the children face any vision problem before 2.5 years then you must visit an eye specialist urgently.
• If the child has born before 9 Months (Preterm): Preterm born children are kept in a special machine to maintain the oxygen level. Due to this additional oxygen, new unwanted vessels are developed in the retina of the kid which can make the retina weak. So, to ensure the eye health, ROP screening is mandatory within 3 months of birth. In kids like this the routine examination should be done in 6 months and 1 year.
• If the born child is special child: Those kids who have any syndrome by birth, like, down syndrome, albinism, or delayed milestone. These should get the first eye examination in 6 months so they can get the treatment at the right time.

---

Eye Problems that may affect your children

• Blocked Tear Ducts: This can cause tearing, discharge, and crusting around the eyes.
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is an inflammation of the thin membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eye.
• Congenital Cataracts: Clouding of the lens in the eye, which can cause blurry vision.
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): A condition that affects premature babies, where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina.
• Strabismus (Squint): Also known as crossed eyes, where the eyes don't align properly.

---

Eye Tests that is considered for children:

During the first eye checkup, the optometrist and ophthalmologists will conduct a comprehensive eye examination, which may include the following assessments:

• Vision Assessment
• Eye Power Assessment (Retinoscopy)
• Dilated Retina Examination
• Eye alignment evaluation (Squint Test)
• Eye movement testing

Parents play an instrumental role during an eye exam for their child. By providing accurate details regarding medical history and any concerns surrounding vision issues, accurate diagnoses can be made and appropriate treatments recommended by eye doctors.

Scheduling an initial eye exam for your child is essential to their overall health and development. By early identification of vision problems, we can help our children avoid academic challenges, correct refractive errors, and ensure they have optimal vision that ensures future success in school and beyond.

Book your appointment now !