Myopia Control and Children's Eyes
What happens at a child's eye examination?
A child's eye examination uses age appropriate tests, so no reading is needed. Vision is measured with pictures, matching letters or observation in babies. Eye alignment and movement are checked, the prescription is measured, usually with dilating drops, and the front and back of the eyes are examined. It is painless and typically takes an hour or more.
What is tested
- Vision in each eye separately, using pictures, shapes, matching cards or letters
- How the two eyes work together, and whether either turns in or out
- Eye movements in all directions
- The refraction, measured after drops that relax focusing so the true prescription is revealed
- The front of the eye, the lens, and the retina and optic disc
Why dilating drops are used
Children have a powerful focusing ability that can mask a long sighted prescription, so measurements without drops can be misleading. The drops sting briefly, take about thirty minutes to work, blur near vision and make the eyes light sensitive for several hours, occasionally into the next day. Bring a sun hat or sunglasses and expect some blur for schoolwork afterwards.
Helping the visit go well
- Choose a time when your child is rested rather than at the end of a long day
- Explain it is looking at pictures and lights, with no injections
- Bring any current glasses, previous prescriptions and a note of family eye conditions
- Bring a snack and something to occupy the wait while drops work
- Allow at least an hour and a half in total
Afterwards
You will be told your child's vision in each eye, whether glasses are needed and why, and when to return. If glasses are prescribed, they should be worn as advised, since consistent wear is what allows vision to develop. Where lazy eye is found, treatment may include glasses first, then patching or drops to encourage the weaker eye.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should children have their eyes tested?
- A check before starting school is sensible, then every one to two years, or sooner if there is a concern, a squint, or a family history of eye problems.
- My child passed a school screening. Is that enough?
- School screening is useful but limited. It can miss long sightedness, mild lazy eye and problems affecting only one eye, so a full examination is worthwhile if you have any concern.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.