Comprehensive Pediatric Eye Exams
Like adults, children can also experience various eye health issues and vision problems, regardless of their age. A children’s eye exam is essential to detect these issues early in a child’s life and get the proper care before problems advance. We offer children’s eye care services at our eye care centers in Athens, Madison, Rogersville, and Huntsville, Alabama and Chattanooga and Ooltewah, Tennessee. Our qualified eye doctors can thoroughly examine, diagnose, and treat the eye health needs of children.
Should Your Child See a Pediatric Optometrist?
Because children are not always able to effectively communicate about their vision difficulties, eye health problems can be difficult to detect. If left unchecked, these problems can be progressive and may negatively impact your child’s life as they grow up. It is important for your child to see an eye doctor regularly for pediatric eye exams, particularly if you suspect he or she may be struggling with vision problems.
Signs your child should see a pediatric optometrist:
- Frequent blinking, squinting, or irregular eye movements
- Frequently turning or tilting their head
- Covering or closing one eye to see better
- Poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills
- Rubbing their eyes frequently
- Frequent headaches
- Leaning in too close to see something or read
- Learning difficulties and poor handwriting
These behaviors may indicate that your child has a vision or eye health problem. Take your child to a pediatric optometrist to determine the cause and possible treatment options. We encourage you not to wait. Delaying care may cause your child more serious or even permanent damage, depending on the condition.
Comprehensive Pediatric Eye Exams at Pathway Eye
The pediatric eye exams we offer at Pathway Eye will detect eye defects and vision impairment while also assessing your child’s risk for developing eye conditions later in life.
Our exams are far more in-depth than those offered at schools or in a pediatrician’s office. Exams conducted by schools or pediatricians screen for potential vision problems but cannot diagnose or treat, which means you will often be directed to a pediatric optometrist for a more thorough exam if an issue is suspected.
Only taking a child to an eye doctor if a problem is apparent is a common mistake. Waiting could worsen the issue. We encourage parents to be proactive and get their child’s eyes checked regularly. An early diagnosis of a problem could decrease the risk for potential eye health complications later in their life and improve their quality of life overall.
Contact us today to set up your child’s eye exam with our optometrists.
Can my child wear contact lenses during sports activities?
Yes! Kids can certainly wear contact lenses. There is no age limit to contact lens wear. If the child and parent is motivated to take care of and learn how to use the contacts, we are happy to fit any child with contact lenses.
When should my child's eyes be examined?
We recommend the first eye exam between 6 months and 1 year old. If this exam is normal, then typically we see them again at 3 years old, and annually after that. If there is an abnormal finding at the first exam, they may need more frequent appointments.
Will sitting too close to the TV or holding a tablet close to their face hurt my child's eyes?
No, there is no proven damage from using screens at a close distance. Many children do this as a normal behavior; however, sometimes it can indicate a vision problem. It’s always best to have their eyes examined to know if there is a concern.
Is my child likely to inherit my need for glasses?
This depends on the type of prescription you have. Some prescriptions are more hereditary than others. If you yourself wear glasses or contacts full time and have a strong family history of glasses or contacts, then we recommend getting your child evaluated at an early age to watch for signs of this developing. Some types of prescriptions can be treated in children so they do not progress significantly.