There are two conditions that feed on child eye examination apathy:
These conditions are as silent as the mummy in the closet. And you as a parent, rarely notice.
1. Ambyopia which exists in about 4% of the population most of which can be correct if found early enough. It cannot be fully corrected after age nine, and unfortunately the only cure for amblyopia falls on the backs of the parent. Parental discipline is the only cure and without it, the doctors efforts are usless.
2. Retinoblastoma is the second culprit. It is the most common cancerous tumor in children. Undetected it is 97% fatal. With early detection, mainly in the clinics of optometric physicians, that figure has been reduced to 7%.
Many parents want to know when their child should have his or her first exam. The answer? Within the first year. In fact the American Optometric Association is conducting a study on children under 12 months and we, at Family Eye Clinic, are doing these exams free of charge. Just ask for an InfantSEE examination.
After the initial examination the question of when is similar to asking, "How often should I have my blood pressure checked?" These questions are usually answered by following the recommendations of some reputable organization such as the American Medical Association, American Foundation for the Blind, or American Optometric Association. We chose the latter which uses guidelines similar to the AMA.
According to the American Optometric Association, children should have additional eye exams at age three, and again at six. Children then should have their eyes examined every year until age eighteen.
When scheduling an eye exam for your child, choose a time when he or she is usually alert and in a good mood. Be sure to tell us if your child has a history of delayed motor development, engages in frequent eye rubbing, fails to maintain eye contact, other problems, or the failing of a vision screening. We will also want to know about previous ocular diagnoses and any family history of eye problems.