Vision problems in children generally are not the direct cause of learning disorders; however, they can interfere with children’s abilities to perform to their potential. Regular eye examinations are essential to evaluate the functional status of the eyes and visual system, and to counsel and educate parents/caregivers regarding their child’s visual, ocular, and related health care status.
The important eye diseases which may be detected by a regular ophthalmic examination include refractive error, amblyopia, anisometropia, nystagmus, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, retinoblastoma and developmental glaucoma. Just as responsible parents adhere to an immunization schedule, regular eye examinations by an eye-care professional must be incorporated into the preventive health care plan for children.
The following is the recommended schedule for eye check-ups in children:
At birth
Screening by paediatrician for all, ophthalmology consultation if required
Birth to 24 months
Asymptomatic/ risk-free: At 6 months of age
At-risk: At 6 months of age or as recommended
2 to 5 years
Asymptomatic/ risk-free: At 3 years of age
At-risk: At 3 years of age or as recommended
6 to 18 years
Asymptomatic/ risk-free: Before first grade and every 2 years thereafter
At-risk: Annually or as recommended
In addition to the tests performed routinely for adults, a paediatric eye exam consists of a comprehensive visual acuity recording, cycloplegic refraction and fundus, assessment of binocular vision, accomodative function and ocular motility. Intraocular pressure measurement, syringing and probing of the nasolacrimal duct, detailed tests for stereopsis and visual field assessment may also be performed when indicated.