Pediatric Eye Exams

First Eye Exams

We recommend a cycloplegic eye exam for first-time glasses wearers. These eye drops, similar to dilating drops, help us find the most accurate prescription for a young person. Extra time is needed for these exams, as it takes up to 45 minutes for the drops to take effect.

Since young people have very active focusing systems, initial eye exam readings can vary and may be inaccurate. Cycloplegic eye exams prevent the eyes from overworking and allow us to more precisely determine levels of nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Understanding Hyperopia in Children

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, occurs when the eye is too short, causing light to focus behind the retina. It is normal for children to start out mildly farsighted as their eyes develop, and low levels of hyperopia can be asymptomatic and may not require vision correction. Often, the eye can compensate for this mild condition without noticeable symptoms.

At moderate levels of hyperopia, children may experience difficulties with near tasks, leading to eye strain, fatigue, and headaches. This can result in blurred vision for both near and distant objects.

In cases of high hyperopia, the eye cannot sufficiently compensate, leading to blurred vision at all distances. Most visual development occurs before the age of 8, and severe hyperopia can impede this development, resulting in long-term blurry vision. Early intervention with corrective lenses is essential to support normal visual development and ensure clear vision.

Cycloplegic eye exams are crucial for accurately assessing hyperopia, as the condition can often be masked by the child’s focusing ability. If necessary, corrective glasses or contact lenses can be prescribed. Because children’s eyes continue to develop, their prescription may change rapidly, therefore it is important for young hyperopic children to undergo annual eye exams to monitor their vision and adjust prescriptions as needed.

Understanding Myopia in Children

Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distance vision appears blurred. This condition occurs when the eye is excessively elongated or the cornea exhibits excessive curvature, leading to difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly. As a result, individuals with myopia may struggle to see the board at school, have challenges in sports activities, and may frequently squint or bring objects closer to gain a clearer view.

Myopia has become a growing public health concern, with projections indicating that nearly 50% of the global population will be affected by 2050. Beyond its immediate impact on vision, myopia can contribute to severe ocular conditions later in life, including myopic macular degeneration and retinal detachment.

Advancements in modern technology offer promising solutions for managing and potentially mitigating the progression of myopia in children aged 5 to 12. While conventional glasses and contact lenses can provide temporary vision correction, targeted myopia control strategies are essential to prevent further deterioration of vision.

Early intervention plays a critical role in managing myopia. Cycloplegic eye examinations, as early as 5 to 6 years of age, are instrumental in identifying early signs of progressive myopia. For children under 12 who exhibit risk factors or have already been diagnosed with myopia, treatment options are available that can significantly reduce the likelihood of further progression and preserve long-term ocular health. 

Find out more information about Myopia Control and the services we offer.