Clear vision and healthy eyes play a crucial role in a child’s academic, social, and physical development. A
pediatric eye exam allows for early detection and treatment of vision conditions or disease, which have potential to cause permanent loss of vision.
Amblyopia, or "lazy eye", is a common eye problem in children. Amblyopia is reduced vision in one or both eyes caused by visual deprivation. This happens when the visual pathway in the brain, which allows each eye to “see”, does not develop properly.
Strabismus, or “crossed eyes”, is another problem commonly seen in children. In strabismus, the eyes are not aligned properly; one eye may look straight ahead while the other eye turns inward, outward, upward, or downward.
Strabismus and amblyopia are treated most effectively when a child is diagnosed and treated at an early age. The sooner we can diagnose and correct a vision problem, the sooner your child will be able to achieve his or her potential without struggling, or risking permanent vision loss.
What if my child passed a vision screening?
Vision screenings done at schools and pediatricians offices are an excellent first step, however these tests are limited in scope. In fact, studies show that up to 43% of children with vision problems can pass a basic screening test! Vision screenings typically only test a child’s distance acuity, and 20/20 does not mean anything more than a child’s ability to see something at a distance of 20 feet. In a comprehensive exam we not only assess the health of your child’s eyes, but also visual skills necessary for learning and proper visual development including near visual acuity, depth perception, binocularity, and the eyes ability to properly work together and focus. A vision screening does not replace the need for a comprehensive eye exam.