When Should Your Baby Have Their First Eye Exam?
The excitement that a new baby brings to a family is one of the greatest gifts imaginable, and parents often do everything they can to ensure the health and safety of their little ones. From regular pediatric visits to babyproofing the home, there’s a long list of things to keep in mind. However, many parents don’t realize that their child should also see an eye doctor in these early stages of life.
Experts recommend that babies receive a comprehensive eye exam between the ages of 6 months and one year, but since your child can’t yet read, why is it important?
The Need For In-Depth Care
Most pediatricians will perform a very basic assessment of your child’s eyes at birth and will check for things like visual abnormalities and the way pupils react to the light. These exams are not considered to be comprehensive, however, and while it may take years before parents notice that their child is having a hard time seeing, that doesn’t mean that a visual issue won’t be present this early in life.
One of the more common concerns that optometrists can detect in children under age one is the instance of a lazy eye, where one eye is weaker than the other. When diagnosed early on, it can often be corrected through prescription glasses alone rather than having to resort to surgery if left untreated. Some children instead use an eye patch to help strengthen the weak eye. Similarly, crossed eyes can be treated effectively if detected at an early age, thus increasing the importance of having your child’s eyes checked before their first birthday.
Tips For Parents
If you’re not sure about bringing your child in for an eye exam at such a young age, there are several factors to consider:
Family history - Did you or your spouse experience eye problems as a young child? Do any of your other children wear glasses? While all children should have a comprehensive eye exam before age one, those with a family history of visual concerns may want to be seen sooner and more regularly.
Trust your instincts - Parents are very in tune with the needs of their babies, and if you suspect that your infant is having problems with their eyesight, don’t hesitate to contact the providers at Associated Eyecare. Rather than potentially missing a problem early on, it’s best to see an experienced eye doctor to ensure that your child’s eyes are developing properly.
Go beyond primary care - Most pediatricians will check your child’s vision before kindergarten, but these exams are not comprehensive and may be later than ideal to uncover issues like a lazy eye. Rather than waiting several years, schedule an appointment for your child within the first 12 months of their life.
As cliché as it may be, all of us are only born with one pair of eyes, so it’s up to parents to take care of their children’s visual needs from day one. Set yourself a reminder to schedule an eye exam for your little one before their first birthday to ensure a lifetime of healthy eyesight from the start!
