Vision Screening

You child's vision and eye health are important. When should your child's eyes be checked? Dr. Cynthia Cross, a Le Bonheur hospitalist, weighs in on the topic of vision screening.

Eye evaluation should start by the time the child is 6 months old. Premature babies should be evaluated before they leave the nursery. As they grow, the exam changes. At any age, pediatricians check the eyes' external appearance, red reflex (screens for abnormalities of the back of the eye as well as cataracts) and eye alignment. An evaluation of eye alignment looks for muscle imbalance, which if left uncorrected can lead to loss of vision in the affected eye. During a typical eye exam, parents are usually asked questions like: Does the child hold objects close to the face? Do the eyes turn in or out? Does one appear white in pictures? These types of issues may place them at increased risk for vision problems.

Once the child is around 3, formal testing of visual acuity starts at your child's checkup with his or her pediatrician. This can be done with an eye chart or picture cards. Some newer tests also involve photographs. Vision screening is commonly done at school, too, by a school nurse to ensure that all children are checked. Adequate vision is tied to continued development and academic success. If the screening shows possible abnormalities, a referral is made to an eye professional such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

If your child starts squinting or complains for frequent headaches, it's probably best to ask your pediatrician for a referral to an ophthalmologist or optometrist to check for vision acuity.