What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam

• Kelly McGahen
• 3 years ago
• Categories: Eye Care
• Tags: eye care services, eye doctor, local eye health services, optometrist, pediatric eye exam

Routine exams are an important aspect of pediatric health. You will want to schedule one with your local eye doctor to ensure that your child’s vision is developing properly. This is especially crucial when your child is just about to start school–they will generally rely on their vision to learn and navigate their new surroundings safely. If your child is getting an eye exam for the first time, you may be wondering just what to expect. Let the premier optometrist in the area, Joel H McGahen OD, offer a quick rundown:

• Thorough Q & A. We will ask you about your child’s health, activities and any other health issues they may have. That is because, in some cases, the child’s vision problem is tied to another health condition, inherited or otherwise. If your child is already old enough, we may talk with them, as well. Our doctor will ensure your child can feel more at ease during their first eye exam.

• Series of Eye Tests. In order to determine your child’s overall eye health, they will need to undergo a few vision tests. These include the visual acuity test, where we test how well your child sees at different distances. If they already know how to read, our eye doctor may use the standard eye chart. Otherwise, we will use shapes or a single letter in different positions. We will also check their depth of perception. 

During the pupil test, we will check how your child’s eyes respond to light. This involves shining a light briefly in each eye to see if the pupil reacts normally. We may also conduct an eye movement test (which involves moving an object in different directions to see if their eyes follow it) and check their peripheral vision. 

• Actual Eye Exam. During this part, the doctor will check the front and back part of the eyes using lights and lenses. Drops may be placed in the child’s eyes to make them dilate, which is a necessary part of the exam since it allows the doctor to see the retina and optic nerve. Depending on the results, the doctor may give you a prescription for your child’s eyeglasses.

Joel H McGahen OD is the premier optometrist you can count on for the highest quality eye care solutions. Using advanced equipment and personalized solutions, we will ensure you and your child can enjoy a lifetime of clear and healthy eyesight. We serve the areas in and around Chambersburg, PA. Call us today at (717) 264-4012 or fill out this contact form to schedule your appointment.