Preparing Your Child for Their First Eye Exam

Routine eye exams are essential to your child’s eye health as they grow and for their future. Children learn about 80 percent of everything about the world through their eyes. It means that their social and academic lives are critically hinged on their ability to see well. Because of this, eye doctors recommend a first eye exam when your child is about one year old.

A year-old baby is still not aware of much of the world. So when you take them to the eye doctor, they will be more distracted by the new world. They will stare at the lights and be enamored by the tests and other things the eye doctor does. However, it can be a challenging experience when they become a bit older and more aware. It is correct to say it is their first eye exam.

So, how do you prepare your child for their first eye exam? 

Let Them Know What Will Happen

Being a health-conscious adult, you know what usually happens during a comprehensive eye exam. You are uniquely positioned to help your child understand what to expect. There are several differences between an adult eye exam and a child’s eye exam. However, theory and practice are very much the same.

The most common tests an eye doctor will perform are:

• Visual acuity test. In this test, the doctor will ask the child to look at and identify letters, pictures, or numbers on a chart, depending on their learning level and age.
• Ocular structure exam. The eye doctor will shine a small light into your child’s eye. They will be looking for signs of infection or injury.
• Light reflex exam. The eye doctor will also use light for this exam. They will focus on how your child’s pupils react to the light. 
• Eye tracking. The eye doctor will ask your child to follow an object as they move it through the air.
• Field of vision test. This exam focuses on evaluating the quality of their field of vision, both side and central vision.

Role Play at Home

Children love role-playing and learn much about the world from it. You can role-play an eye exam with them at home to prepare them for what will happen. Because they do not know precisely what is going on and how to behave, they will rely on you to guide them. You can break down the entire experience using simple games like where they have to sit still. 

You can replicate aspects of the eye exam, like asking them to read or identify different pictures. All this will go a long way toward preparing them psychologically for the actual exam. 

Timing

Ensure your child is in a great mood when going for the exam. A morning session is great because they are fresh and receptive. Ask your eye doctor for their schedule and find a reasonable morning hour. 

Bring a Comfort Toy

You can bring a toy they love to help your child ease in and get comfortable. Having something they love that they can hold during the exam will help them relax. 

Find a Friendly Eye Doctor

A good doctor may be the most important of these points. Find a good eye doctor who has experience dealing with children. They will know how to get your child to cooperate and make them feel relaxed.

For more about preparing your child for their first eye exam, visit Lakeview Optometry at our office in Monticello, Indiana. Call (574) 622-8400 to book an appointment today.