Pediatric Eye Care

When should my child have an eye exam?

At Columbia Eye Associates & Family Focus Eye Care, Dr. Nausheen Khuddus and the optometry team recommend that children begin having eye exams around the age of 5. If you notice your child has vision problems before the age of 5, which can show up as difficulty seeing in the dark, bumping into objects around the home, or strabismus, the team can provide referrals for advanced diagnostic testing that is specialized for babies, infants, and toddlers.

It is also best to begin eye exams around the time your child begins school in order to ensure your child can see and participate fully in class. Eye exams should be repeated every two years. Learning delays may be a sign of vision problems in children, as can headaches when looking at the board in class. Vision problems can be corrected easily with glasses so that your child can learn and thrive in school and life.

What happens during a pediatric eye exam?

During a pediatric eye exam, the team begins by talking with you and your child about any noticeable vision issues and then explains what to expect so you and your child know what’s happening throughout the exam, especially as some procedures may be uncomfortable for your child.

The exam begins with having your child read an eye chart from a distance. Then your provider moves an object in front of your child’s eyes and asks your child to follow the object with only his or her eyes. Your provider may also use an ophthalmoscope to look into your child’s eyes.

These tests check for visual acuity and coordination of the eye muscles necessary for the movement of the eyes and focus of the pupils. If there are any issues, your provider performs additional tests.

When does my child need to see an eye doctor?

If your child wears glasses, it’s best to schedule an eye exam yearly to ensure your child has the right prescription and that his or her eyes are in good health. If your child doesn’t wear glasses and has normal vision, exams every two years are sufficient.

Some situations call for medical care from the team at Columbia Eye Associates & Family Focus Eye Care, including strabismus and conjunctivitis — or pink eye. Dr. Khuddus performs muscle surgeries to correct strabismus, and the entire team provides care to clear up pink eye quickly and avoid spreading it to others.

To schedule a pediatric eye exam, call Columbia Eye Associates & Family Focus Eye Care or use the online booking tool now.