What To Expect At Your Child's Eye Test Appointment
If you're taking your child for an eye test for the first time you may be unsure of what to expect and how the test will be carried out, particularly if your child is not yet able to identify letters on a chart. Optometrists are used to conducting eye tests on young children and they can work around your child's wriggling on their seat or them not being able to read letters on the chart you will be used to reading during your own eye tests. Children should have their eyes tested when they are starting school and then every couple of years after that to ensure any problems with their eye health are picked up early.
Signs Of Eyesight Problems
Young children often won't mention they are having problems with their eyesight because they often don't realise they are. However, there are signs you can look out for, such as frequent eye rubbing, unusual clumsiness and poor coordination. A child with an eyesight problem may also want to sit very close to the television or pull books close to their face, and they may complain of headaches or sore eyes if they are experiencing eye strain.
Common Eye Conditions In Kids
Eye conditions that may develop in your child include short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism, which is characterised by insufficient curving of the eye and can cause blurred vision. Other eye conditions can occur when a child's eye muscles are not well developed, such as lazy eye or strabismus, which causes a child's eyes to look in different directions.
What An Eyesight Test Will Cover
Your child's optometrist will carry out a range of painless tests to thoroughly check your child's eye health. A pupil reflex test involves shining a light into your child's eyes to check their pupils are reacting to light appropriately. Letter or picture charts will be used to determine whether your child is long or short-sighted. It's a good idea to let your child know in advance that there is no pressure to identify letters or pictures correctly, as some children can feel intimidated by this part of an eye test. Generally, an optometrist won't comment on whether a child has identified a letter or image correctly and will try to make the experience as relaxed as possible. The optometrist will also check for colour blindness by asking your child to identify an image made up of coloured dots.
Children's eye tests are relatively quick and the optometrist will discuss their findings at the end of the test. If your child needs glasses, they may enjoy choosing a pair in their favourite colour or a pair with their favourite cartoon character on them.
Reach out to a local optometrist to learn more.