The
best time to examine a child's eye is not so much based on
age as it is based on observation by parent or teacher of
a possible problem. Such problems can include:
 rubbing
eyes
redness or
discharge or
tearing
crossed eye
sitting too close to things
blinking eyes
droopy lid or lids
headache or pain
clumsiness
abnormal eye movement
At birth your pediatrician will screen your baby's eyes in
the nursery. If he sees no problems then we recommend his/her
first routine eye exam be at three years of age. At three years
your child should be able to sit on your lap and name the images
of toys at the end of the examination room. Thereafter every
several years a follow-up exam should be performed by a professional
physicial even though the school system will usually provide
screening exams.
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We
have all heard of lazy eye. To an eye doctor this indicates
poor vision usually related to a frequently crossed eye or
a difference in the power (refractive state) between the eyes.
The child's brain will use the easiest or straightest seeing
eye and neglect developing the other eye. The old adage applies,
if you don't use it you'll lose it. This poor vision, if not
corrected, will become permanent typically after age 6 to
7 years.
Glasses
will often straighten a crossed eye but any residual crossing
may need surgery. Additionally, patching the stronger seeing
eye will enhance the vision in the weaker eye.
Other
common problems in young children can include blocked tear
ducts with recurrent infections and continuous tearing from
birth. This problem will often disappear in the first few
months of life due to your pediatrician's diligent use of
antibiotics and suggestion to massage over the tear sac. If
the problem doesn't clear up then a simple hospital procedure
can be done by the ophthalmologist before age 6 months. The
success of this 'probe and irrigation' procedure dwindles
after 6 months.
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