Posted by: Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Latest News, Uncategorized

While eye exams may not be the first thing you think about when you make health appointments for your child, the licensed eye care professionals at Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons recommend having their eyes examined before six months of age. Most commonly, pediatricians will examine your baby’s eyes during initial check-ups using various methods to test for proper eye functions.

baby-eye-exam-in-atlanta-ga During the eye exam by a pediatrician, the baby’s focus ability, color recognition, and depth and dimension perception will be tested.  According to Bausch and Lomb, you may see the following tests to confirm that your baby has proper eye function:

  • Noise-making toys may be used to intrigue the baby while the doctor quickly covers and uncovers the eyes to test for alignment and a dominant eye.
  • A similar object will be moved in front of the eyes to test for the ability to fixate and coordination of the eye muscles.
  • A small, targeted light may be shined in your baby’s eye to examine the pupil’s reaction. In a healthy eye, the pupil normally shrinks very quickly in response to light. The targeted light can also be used to check for infection, allergies, disease or blocked tear ducts.
  • Eyelids will be examined for drooping, inflammation, and any other indications that your baby’s eyes need greater attention.

Just like in an adult’s routine eye exam, when you visit board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. William Segal or licensed optometrist Dr. Marc Lay, your baby’s pupils will be dilated with eye drops to test for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Our doctors will examine the interior and back of the eye for early signs of disease using an ophthalmoscope to see through to the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye. If your child is experiencing crossed eyes, amblyopia (lazy eye), or other concerns, it will be addressed during your exam.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend that your child’s eyes be screened for problems at birth, by six months of age, at three to four years of age, at five years of age, and each following year. To schedule your child’s next eye exam, please contact us today.  Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for eye news, updates, and specials.