You know how important it is to take your child to see a pediatrician, but it’s just as important to prioritize a comprehensive eye exam. Given that both their overall safety and their success in the classroom depends largely on their eyesight, it’s imperative for a professional to assess their visual acuity at a young age. Many problems can deteriorate if left untreated, which is why it’s so critical to catch them early. 

At What Age Should Eye Exams Begin?

Ideally, your child should have his or her first comprehensive eye exam before turning one. This is particularly important if there is a family history of eye problems, as that increases your child’s risk. Although the pediatrician will perform a limited eye exam after your little one is born, an eye doctor’s assessment is far more detailed and comprehensive. 

Among the conditions that professionals treat is lazy eye, a common form of weakened vision in a single eye that affects some one in three children. Another concern that presents in children is strabismus, more commonly known as crossed eyes. Naturally, professionals can also determine if your child may benefit from wearing glasses to improve their vision.

What Can You Expect During the Appointment?

The eye doctor will have a few questions for you during the appointment, such as if there is any occurrence of eye disease within the family, whether there were any problems during pregnancy, how much your child weighed at birth, and any existing medical issues your child may have. 

The doctor will then assess your child’s ability to perceive color and depth and will evaluate their eye development using a series of non-invasive tests. Among these is an examination that determines how well the pupils react to light, and one that examines their ability to lock their eyes on an object and follow its motion.

If the time has come for your child’s first eye exam, look to the practice of Dr. Ron Sealock. Located in Dothan, AL, Dr. Sealock and his team will take care of all your little one’s eye care needs. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (334) 793-9607 to schedule an appointment.