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Pediatric Eye Exams in Ken Caryl, CO

At the Eyecare Center of Ken Caryl, we provide comprehensive eye care for children ages 10 months and older. Working with children is rewarding because it allows us to help them gain clarity and awareness of the vast world around them. Nothing compares to the joy of guiding a child toward a new perspective. 

Our optometrists are also experts in helping children with myopia, also known as nearsightedness. When a child is diagnosed with myopia, the condition usually tends to get worse as they grow. We now know that progressive myopia can increase their risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, and we provide myopia management services in Ken Caryl, Colorado to slow down or even stop myopia from worsening.  

When does your child need to visit the eye doctor?  

We recommend a child receive their first eye exam before their first birthday. For school-aged children, you should schedule an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be seen annually or as recommended by the eye doctor.  

We are proud to participate in the InfantSEE® program through which we provide a free pediatric eye exam for babies between the ages of 6–12 months.  

What to expect at your child’s eye exam  

A pediatric eye exam generally includes a case history, vision testing, determining whether eyeglasses are needed, testing eye alignment, an eye health evaluation, and prescribing eyeglasses if necessary. The exam process for our pediatric patients is like the comprehensive eye exam we provide for adults; however, some of the tools and tests we use are different for children.  

  • Often, children cannot tell you if they are experiencing difficulties or changes with their vision, so we are prepared to assess their need for eyeglasses without much response from them during the refraction.   
  • We recommend dilation as part of all pediatric exams because this enables the eye doctor to get a more complete eye health picture and check an eyeglasses prescription on a stable relaxed system.   
  • If your child is 12 years or older, a retinal photo is also great for a baseline.  For some children, the eye exam process may need to be completed over multiple trips. 

After your child’s eye exam, if they need eyeglasses, our optician can help your child find a frame that fits properly. The optometrist will determine the frequency of examinations based on exam findings and patient age.  

Why are eye exams important for children?    

It’s important for children to have regular eye exams, as many vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated early. Vision is essential to learning. Eighty percent of all learning is visual, which means children with vision problems have a huge disadvantage. Pediatric eye exams ensure children have the following visual skills necessary for effective reading and writing:    

  • Excellent vision for near, up-close work and distance.    
  • Comfortable and correct “eye teaming,” which means the eyes work well together and can focus on the same place in space.    
  • The ability to adjust focus to see clearly at different distances.  
  • Accurate eye movement skills, such as the ability to read a line of text.  

What are the signs of vision problems in children?    

Detecting vision problems in children can be challenging. Often, children are not aware that they have a vision problem and assume that everyone sees the way they do. However, there is good news: most vision problems and eye issues can be identified during a thorough pediatric eye exam administered by a qualified optometrist.  

If your child displays any of these behaviors, they may have a vision or eye health problem and should see an eye doctor. However, it’s important to remember that your child may exhibit no symptoms and still have an eye issue.  

  • Frequent blinking, squinting, or irregular eye movements    
  • Frequently turning or tilting their head  
  • Covering or closing one eye to see better  
  • Poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills  
  • Rubbing their eyes frequently  
  • Frequent headaches   
  • Leaning in too close to see something or read  
  • Learning difficulties and poor handwriting    

    Schedule a pediatric eye exam in Ken Caryl, Colorado 

    Our expert optometrists and team provide comprehensive eye health and vision care for babies and children. Children need to get regular pediatric eye exams to ensure they have the visual skills necessary for reading, writing, and living up to their full potential. Schedule a pediatric eye exam at the Eyecare Center of Ken Caryl today!  

    PEDIATRIC EYE CARE

    Schedule a pediatric eye exam today and protect your child’s vision.