The first exam for a child should take place between 6 to 12 months of age, unless problems are suspected sooner. Children are especially prone to weak eye muscles (strabismus), drooping eyelids (ptosis) and lazy eye (amblyopia). Each of these conditions can be treated if detected early. Medical Vision Technology Ophthalmology Group performs eye examinations specially tailored to the needs of children, making the experience pleasant for both children and their parents. We can examine children using a special child photoscreener which can detect latent eye conditions in a fraction of a second using a unique photographic technique.
Even if a child passes the school vision screening, important conditions such as extreme farsightedness, and imbalance between the eyes can be missed.
Here are a few signs to look out for while your child is growing.
- redness of eyes
- headaches
- pupil size difference
- dropping of an eyelid or both
- tearing
- sudden eye movements
- difficulty looking in a paricular direction
- cloudy look in eyes
- eyes that appear larger
- school performance difficulties
Treating a visual disorder as soon as possible may present permanent failure and detour normal visual development. Even a child who seems to have good vision may be having an issue with one eye.