When does need a baby eye examination?
When Should Children Begin Getting Eye Exams?
Newborns should be checked for general eye health. First general check shall be done by a pediatrician in the hospital.
Children shall be examined by pediatrician or family physician at 6 months of age and at 18 months of age for general eye health. If eye problems are suspected during routine examinations, a referral might be made to an ophthalmologist. Within this period, if parents notice something unusual like constant eye rubbing, extreme light sensitivity and poor visual tracking(following an object),they should consult an ophthalmologist. High-risk newborns (including premature infants), those with a family history of eye problem, and those with obvious eye irregularities should be examined by an ophthalmologist at early age. Every child shall have first eye examination by an ophthalmologist at 3 years of age.
Common Childhood Eye Diseases and Conditions:
Amblyopia
Astigmatism
Cataract
Childhood Tearing
Cortical Visual Impairment
Developmental Abnormalities
Double Vision
Genetic Eye Disease
Glaucoma
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Nystagmus
Pediatric Ptosis (drooping eyelid
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Strabismus