Children's Eye Exams

Optometric Associates of Southern Maine recommend an eye exam anytime you believe your child is having a consistent issue with their vision or any physical complaints regarding their eyes, regardless of age. For healthy children with no visual complaints, behaviors that suggest a visual compromise, or significant family history of vision issues at a young age we recommend a baseline examination between the age of 3-5 or preschool age. Follow-up or repeat testing is typically based on the results of the baseline examination. 

A pediatric comprehensive examination varies mildly based on age and visual development, but generally, their full visual function and age-appropriate binocular development are tested. This can include acuity testing for refractive error or amblyopia, cover testing for strabismus, binocular vision testing through stereo acuity and oculomotor function tests, color vision testing, and physical health assessment through retinal imaging a well as microscopic examination of the eyes and external ocular structures. Early examination and treatment can help to minimize the burden of trying to normalize the visual and binocular developmental systems of pediatric patients. Many children are diagnosed with strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and other conditions early in life thanks to regular children’s eye exams. Having these tests will help your child get an early diagnosis and treatment for both eye health issues and vision problems. When you learn about eye issues early, you can take action before the problem has a lasting impact on your child’s visual performance.