Pediatric Eye Examinations

The first eye exam is recommended at 6-12 months of age to ensure the eyes are developing normally. The next eye exam is once between the age of 3-5 years of age. The next exam is before 1st grade and then yearly after that. Eye exams may be required more often if your child has been diagnosed with any eye conditions that needs to be monitored.

LEA symbols or figures are used to test visual acuity for young children who are unable to identify the letters on an eye chart. Your child will be asked to identify these symbols, allowing our eye doctor to measure how well your child sees both at near and distance.

Yes, dilating drops are necessary and essential for obtaining an accurate measure of a refractive error. With the use of special lenses, our eye doctor can then achieve the most precise prescription that is most appropriate for your child. Furthermore, dilating eye drops widen the pupil for better views of the structures inside the eye. 

That's not a problem! Our doctor will be doing retinoscopy which is a technique used to obtain an objective measurement of your child's prescription. This test measures any refractive error such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism which may be affecting your child’s vision.

Yes, we would still recommend a comprehensive eye exam. Children (or adults) who pass a vision screening could still have an eye health or a vision problem. Vision screening programs can't substitute for regular professional vision care since a lot of the testing done at an examination are not performed during a screening. 

Yes, hours in front of the computer can cause uncomfortable symptoms (listed above). In addition, blue light being emitted from digital devices can affect sleep patterns and concentration levels. Furthermore, excessive computer use may also lead to macular degeneration in the long run. 

Limiting screen time is important and we would recommend no more than 2-3 hours/day. We encourage children to spend more time outdoors - away from screens and near vision work. Studies have shown a strong link between increased outdoor play time with a REDUCED incidence of myopia.