What it is
Children rarely report poor vision, because they assume everyone sees the way they do. A paediatric eye examination checks vision, spectacle power, eye alignment and eye health, and looks for squint and amblyopia (lazy eye), which respond better to treatment when picked up early.
When you might need it
- A school vision screening flagged a concern
- Sitting very close to the television, or squinting to see
- One eye that appears to drift inward or outward
- Frequent eye rubbing, headaches, or difficulty reading the board
What happens during your visit
Vision is tested with pictures or matching charts for younger children. Eye alignment and movements are checked, and dilating drops are usually needed to measure a child's spectacle power accurately. If glasses, patching or exercises are advised, the plan and the reasons for it are explained to the parent.
Aftercare
After dilating drops, near vision stays blurred and light feels bright for several hours, occasionally into the next day. If glasses are prescribed, regular wear and periodic review matter, since power changes as a child grows.