Eye examinations for children and infants
Experts recommend screening to detect amblyopia, strabismus, and other vision problems in children younger than age 5 years.1 Children who do not have signs of vision problems and who have no family history of childhood eye problems may have their eyes tested during a routine doctor visit. Children from families with a history of childhood eye problems need to have their vision tested by an eye care specialist (an ophthalmologist or an optometrist).
Infants and children younger than age 3 usually don't have significant vision problems that involve refractive errors. Even so, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Ophthalmologists recommend that all children be tested for eye problems during the newborn period and again at all routine well child visits.2 This recommendation has been affirmed by the Canadian Paediatric Society.3
Infants with symptoms of eye disease, such as redness or swelling, should be examined by a specialist as soon as possible.
Eye examinations by a specialist are also recommended before age 3 if:
- The family has a history of childhood eye problems, especially genetic eye diseases.
- The child was born prematurely.
- Signs of misaligned eyes (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), or nearsightedness (myopia) are present.
- The child's eye is red, swollen, or cloudy.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Ralph Poore | Last Updated: May 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Ian MacDonald, MDCM, FRCSC - Ophthalmology | |
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