Have your child get an eye exam when there is an abnormality

Eyes are windows to a baby's soul. Therefore, when you suspect that your baby's eyes are having problems, let your child go to an eye exam for advice and early fixes.

Every time the baby comes for a checkup, the doctor will see if the baby's eyes are having problems, like checking the lungs, ears, heart rate to make sure the baby is healthy. If the doctor notices a problem with the baby's eyes, such as a mild infection, the baby will be treated immediately.

If your baby has severe eye disease or any unusual signs of vision or your family has a history of eye problems, your doctor will refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye specialist.

Baby eye exam process

Every visit, the doctor will check to see if your baby has congenital eye problems or other problems. In addition, the doctor also examines the structure, alignment, and movement of the eyes. Your doctor will do some of the following checks:

Your doctor asks about your family's history of eye disease.

The doctor uses a light pen to examine the outside of the eye, including the eyelids and eyeballs, for signs of infection, allergies, illness, or blocked tear duct. In addition, the doctor will also check to see if the pupils in the eyes are the same size, round and reacting to light. If the eyelids do not close down, the doctor will examine the position of the eyes, eyelids, and lashes.

Doctors check your baby's eye movement by having your baby follow a toy to see if the reflexes of the two eyes are even. The doctor will examine each eye one at a time, then both eyes. Babies can track these movements when they are 2 - 3 months old.

To check your baby's vision, the doctor will let your baby look at an object with one eye and then the other eye. If your baby follows the objects with one eye but does not follow with the other eye, it is likely that the vision in the eye does not follow the object is weaker than the other eye.

Most pediatricians are trained in examining the eyes of young children. However, your pediatrician will refer you to a specialist if they find that a problem is beyond their reach for the baby's eyes.

Where will you take your baby when you need an eye exam?

The most important thing when looking after your baby's eyes is to spot problems early. Good vision helps children do everything from learning to playing sports. Early detection of eye problems such as nearsightedness (vision loss) increases your chances of success with treatment.

You should give your baby an eye exam at birth, at 6 months, 3 - 4 years, 5 years old and every year thereafter. In addition, if your baby is at increased risk of eye problems, his or her eyes should be checked more often. Factors that put your baby at high risk include premature birth, developmental delay, family history of eye disease, previous serious eye damage, use of certain drugs ...

Where to send your baby is up to you to decide. In case your child has a refractive error, you just need to take him or her to an eyewear store to have their vision tested and choose the right glasses. For peace of mind, you can take your child to the radius area at the eye hospital. In case of eye infection , swelling, pain, amblyopia , you should take your child to the ophthalmologist or the pediatric ophthalmologist so that the baby can be examined more carefully and prescribed the appropriate medicine.

Your baby's eyes are being properly monitored and cared for?

The first thing you should do is make sure your baby's eyes are checked carefully at regular visits. If you are not satisfied with your doctor's care, see another doctor. Even if you are satisfied with the eye exam during routine checkups, you can take your baby to the ophthalmologist for a thorough examination.

Between routine exams, you will still be watching your baby's vision at home. If you think there is something wrong with your child's eyes, have your baby checked.

Distinguish the eye specialist

An ophthalmologist is a doctor who graduated from medical school and has been practicing for at least 3 years. In addition to eye exams, prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, ophthalmologists also diagnose and treat eye diseases, prescribe medications, and perform surgery.

A pediatric ophthalmologist is a person who has completed a one-year postgraduate study in the treatment and surgery of eye diseases in children after completing his internship in ophthalmology.

Optometrists are trained and licensed to test eyes, diagnose and treat vision problems with eyeglasses, and therapy. They may also prescribe certain medications.

The eyewear technician performs testing and removes glasses and eye aids. They are trained to choose the glasses prescribed by an ophthalmologist.