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Things You Should Tell A Pediatric Eye Doctor About Your Child

by — Last updated: 2015-06-30 in Eye Disorders and Diseases

Table of Contents

Here we will take a look at some important information about a pediatric eye doctor and give you a better idea about what to look for when selecting one for your child.

When you go to visit your child’s ophthalmologist, you should let the doctor know the following things:

  • Whether or not your child reaches for toys
  • Can he or she control their head, does it wobble?
  • Does the child rub or poke his or her eyes?
  • Is he or she light sensitive or does the child stare at it?
  • What attracts the child’s attention?
Providing this information that is based on your child’s day-to-day behavior will help an ophthalmologist when making an evaluation. Be sure to also tell the doctor about any existing health conditions, allergies, disabilities or medications that have been prescribed by your pediatrician.
 

Tests That May Be Performed By A Pediatric Ophthalmologist

A comprehensive pediatric eye exam includes testing and evaluating vision skills. Many schools do vision testing but generally, it is better to rely on a professional to test your child’s vision in order to determine if it is normal or if there are any things which may need to be addressed. Some of the following tests could be performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist:

  • Acuity-Distance Vision Test: This test checks for visual acuity (sharpness and clearness) at distance of 20 feet.
  • Acuity-Near Vision Test: This tests for visual acuity for short distances (specifically reading distance).
  • Focusing Skills Test: This involves a child’s eye doctor testing him or her for the ability to maintain clear vision at different distances.
  • Eye Tracking & Fixation Skills Test: This is done to check the ability of a child’s eyes to look at and accurately track an object, including the ability of the eyes to move across a piece of paper while reading words.
  • Binocular Vision or Fusion Test: Checks the child for the ability to use both eyes together at the same time.
  • Stereopis: This test checks for binocular vision depth perception.
  • Convergence & Eye Teaming Skills Test: A doctor will check the child’s eyes for aim, movement and how they work as a team coordinated
  • Color Vision Test: To check and see if the child has the ability to discern different colors.
  • Visual Memory Test: Checks for the child’s ability to retrieve visual information.
  • Reversal Frequency Test: A doctor will check to see if a child confuses letters or words.
  • Visual Form Discrimination Test: This checks the child’s ability to determine if two shapes, colors, sizes, etc. are the same or different.
  • Visual Motor Integration Test: This test is done to see if the child has the ability to combine visual input with other sensory input; the ability to discern image forms from a vertical to horizontal plane
With yearly eye examinations and knowing what to expect when you visit a pediatric ophthalmologist, you can ensure your son or daughter maintains healthy vision.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s vision, it is something which needs to be addressed as soon as possible with a pediatrician or pediatric ophthalmologist, because early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the chances it could become something more serious.