Routine eye examinations are an integral part of pediatric eye care. The American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Strabismus all recommend timely screening of children to better detect eye problems. Good vision requires equal contribution from both eyes. In children, when there is not an equal contribution, a condition known as amblyopia, or “lazy eye” can occur. This condition can be easily diagnosed and successfully treated. Other conditions, such as sight and vision problems can also be detected early. Kids from age 5 and up should include a routine eye examination as part of their health care visits. If any warning signs develop in between appointments, parents should not hesitate to contact Dr. Jay Rigney Eye Care and Eyewear of Owasso, OK to schedule a pediatric eye exam.

PEDIATRIC WARNING SIGNS

In Oklahoma, children should have an eye exam prior to beginning school. This should occur even if the pediatrician does not see warning signs of a potential vision problem. The Optometrist Network lists the following symptoms that suggest children may have vision problems:

• Poor school performance
• Not wanting to go to school
• Difficulty paying attention
• Difficulty when reading and writing
• Trouble seeing information on the chalk board
• Blurry or double vision
• Headaches or eye pain
• Taking longer than normal to complete homework

If the child’s parents have histories of vision problems, it may be necessary to have more than one eye exam per year.

REVIEWS

"Very good exam , his helper was very good also . I was totally impressed with the whole experience ! I'm 74 and get real anxious @ eye exams but he made me feel very comfortable !!!"

- L.J. / Facebook / Sep 11, 2020

PEDIATRIC EYE EXAMS

Pediatric eye care exams can include any of the following tests:

Inspection of the Eye – The optometrist will inspect the eyes and eyelids and test various muscle movements. The pupils will also be checked and the reflection of light from the back of the eye will also be evaluated.

Corneal Light Reflex Test – The optometrist will use a small flashlight to look at an area from the front of the eye or cornea where light is reflected. Ideally, the light should be in sharp focus and centered on both pupils. The test result is abnormal if the corneal light reflex isn’t crisp.

Cover Test – This test determines if the eyes are misaligned. While the child is looking into a bright light, the optometrist covers one eye at a time and looks for a shift in the eyes.

Acuity Test – Age appropriate visual acuity testing uses an eye chart and the child reads lines of characters. Each eye will be tested separately.

QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS

Parents can be very helpful in pediatric eye care and testing. Parents may be asked a series of questions, including:

• Does it seem like your child can see well?
• Does your child struggle to focus, or hold books or other objects close to his or her face?
• Do your child’s eyes seem to cross or drift?
• Do your child’s eyes seem unusual in any way?
• Have you noticed your child’s eyelids drooping?
• Has your child ever had an eye injury?

SCHEDULE TODAY

For more than 30 years, Dr. Rigney has been assisting families all over Owasso, OK. If your child needs glasses, Dr. Rigney has an on-site lab that is ready to fill orders, often on the spot. If you reside in or around Owasso OK, Dr. Rigney Eye Care and Eyewear is the place to go for pediatric eye care.