Pediatric Vision Care
Infant Eye Exams
A first eye examination between six months and one year assesses eye alignment, focusing response, tracking, refractive error and eye health. None of it requires the baby to read, speak or cooperate.
The question every parent asks is how a baby can possibly have an eye exam. The answer is that everything important at this age is observable rather than reportable.
Whether the eyes are aligned, whether they focus and track a moving target, whether there is significant refractive error, and whether the eyes are structurally healthy are all assessable objectively. A retinoscope measures refractive error from the reflection of light off the retina, and the baby simply has to be awake.
What this catches matters. Significant uncorrected refractive error, misalignment and structural problems all interfere with visual development, and treating them early is what makes them treatable.
What to expect
- Alignment and tracking
- Whether the eyes point together and follow a target smoothly.
- Objective refraction
- Retinoscopy measures refractive error from the light reflected off the retina, no responses required.
- Pupil responses
- How pupils react to light, which reveals a good deal about the visual pathway.
- Eye health examination
- The external eye, lens and retina examined for structural problems.
Questions and answers
Why so early?
Because the visual system develops during the first years of life. Problems that interfere with that development have to be corrected while development is still happening.
What if my baby will not sit still?
That is expected and accounted for. Assessment works around a moving, distracted baby. Parents usually hold the child throughout.
Does it hurt?
No. Nothing touches the eye. Lights and targets are the extent of it.
What happens if something is found?
It gets explained clearly along with what to do. Most findings at this age are managed with glasses, patching or monitoring rather than anything dramatic.
Talk to someone about infant eye exams
Appointments are scheduled two per hour, so there is time to answer questions properly. Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online.