Common Conditions Screened For During Children’s Eye Exams

Common Conditions Screened For During Children’s Eye Exams

A children's eye exam is a crucial part of maintaining overall health. These exams help detect any visual impairments that may affect their learning and development, and they also assess your child for comprehensive eye health. During a children's eye exam, several common eye conditions are screened for to ensure that your child's eyes are functioning correctly. 

Are you concerned about the cost of children’s eye exams?
All eye exams for children under 18 are covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.

Children’s Eye Exams Screen For

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye):
Amblyopia is a condition in which one eye has reduced vision caused by abnormal visual development. It is also known as lazy eye and is common in children. This condition is detected during a children's eye exam and is treated with eyeglasses, by patching the good eye, or with other vision therapy techniques.

Strabismus (Eye Turn):
Strabismus is a condition in which one eye turns in a different direction than the other eye. This can lead to double vision, which can cause confusion and difficulty with depth perception. Children with strabismus are usually referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Refractive Errors (Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism):
Refractive errors are common vision problems that occur when the eyes are not able to focus light properly. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are the most common types of refractive errors that are detected during a children's eye exam. These conditions can be corrected with the help of glasses or contact lenses.

Accommodative Disorders (Difficulty Focusing):
Accommodative disorders occur when the eyes have difficulty adjusting their focus from distant objects to near objects. This condition can cause headaches, eye strain, and other symptoms. Children with accommodative disorders are usually referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Nystagmus (Involuntary Eye Movement):
Nystagmus is a condition in which the eyes move involuntarily, causing a "dancing" or "wobbling" movement. This condition can cause difficulties with visual acuity and depth perception, and it is usually diagnosed during a children's eye exam.

Convergence Insufficiency (Difficulty Converging the Eyes):
Convergence insufficiency is a condition in which the eyes have difficulty converging or aligning on an object. This can cause difficulties with reading and other near-vision tasks. Children with convergence insufficiency are usually referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.
 

Protect Your Child’s Vision With Children’s Eye Exams

A children's eye exam is important to your child’s overall eye health. Conditions such as amblyopia, strabismus, refractive errors, accommodative disorders, nystagmus, convergence insufficiency, colour blindness, diplopia, ptosis, cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, optic nerve disorders, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome are screened for during a children's eye exam. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can prevent long-term visual problems and ensure that children have the visual skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

Book your child’s next eye exam with Specs in the City, where your child’s eyes will be examined by our expert optometrists in a comfortable environment. Contact us today at 403-252-2020 or through our online contact form.
 

FAQ

Q: At what age should children have their first eye exam?
A: Children should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age, then at 3 years of age, and again before they start school. Regular eye exams are recommended every 2 years, or more often if recommended by an eye doctor.

Q: How is a children’s eye exam conducted?
A: Children’s eye exams are non-invasive and will not cause any discomfort. The eye doctor will examine the eye and take imaging for a more detailed look. Depending on the age of the child, the optometrist may ask them questions to answer. If the child is too young or too nervous to be alone during an eye exam, a parent or guardian may accompany the child.

Q: What if my insurance doesn’t cover optical?
A: Children’s eye exams are covered by the Alberta government, so you won’t have to pay for any pediatric eye exams. If you need frames for your young child, Specs in the City is a part of the EYE SEE… EYE LEARN program that provides kindergarten children with free eyeglasses. To take advantage of this effort to reduce the barrier of cost when it comes to vision care, simply book an appointment with our SE Calgary optometrist and let them know you would like to take part in Eye See … Eye Learn. It’s that easy!

Share This Post:

Related Posts

Contact Us Today!

Your eyes are our priority! Our knowledgeable and professional staff can answer all your questions. Call us today at 1-403-252-2020 or fill out the form below:

Specs in the City
Have Questions? Call Us Today At

Call Us

TopFind UsBook OnlineCall Us
TopFind UsBook OnlineCall Us