Pediatric Eye Exams - Q&A Page

What should parents do if they suspect their child has an eye problem?

If parents suspect their child has an eye problem, they should schedule an appointment with our optometrist as soon as possible. Our eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam and recommend any necessary treatment such as glasses, contact lenses, and patches. Parents should keep track of any symptoms their child is experiencing and discuss them with our eye doctor during the appointment. Regular eye exams are also important for children, especially for those who have a family history of eye problems or other risk factors.

 If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.

What are some common treatments for pediatric eye problems?

Common treatments for pediatric eye problems include eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct refractive errors, patching or atropine drops to treat amblyopia, and surgery to correct strabismus. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye care conveniently located in Olympia.

Can children with ADHD or learning disabilities have problems with their eyes?

Children with ADHD or learning disabilities may have difficulty with visual processing, which can affect their ability to read, write, and perform other visual tasks. They may also have problems with eye tracking and focusing, leading to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and difficulty reading. An eye exam can help identify underlying vision problems and specific visual therapy can be recommended to help improve visual processing skills. It is important for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to be aware of these potential issues and address them promptly. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.

How can technology affect children's vision?

Children who spend a lot of time using technology, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, may be at risk for developing digital eye strain, which can cause symptoms such as dry eyes, eye fatigue, and headaches. Parents can help to reduce the risk of digital eye strain by setting limits on screen time and encouraging their children to take regular breaks and to engage in other activities such as playing sports or reading a book. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye care conveniently located in Olympia.

Can premature babies have eye problems?

Yes, premature babies are at risk of developing eye problems, particularly retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). ROP is a disease that affects the blood vessels in the retina of premature babies, it occurs when the blood vessels in the retina do not develop properly. This can lead to scarring and detachment of the retina, which can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Babies born before 31 weeks of gestation or with a very low birth weight are at the highest risk of developing ROP. However, even babies born at full-term can develop ROP if they have other risk factors such as low oxygen levels during their stay in the NICU.
If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.

Is there a link between genetics and pediatric eye problems?

Yes, there is a link between genetics and certain pediatric eye problems. Some eye problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are inherited, meaning that if a parent has these conditions, their child is more likely to develop them as well. Other eye problems such as congenital cataracts, congenital glaucoma, and retinoblastoma are also inherited and caused by genetic mutations. Genetic disorders such as Stargardt disease, which is a form of macular degeneration, also cause eye problems in children. It is important to note that genetics is only one of many factors that can contribute to the development of eye problems in children. Environmental factors such as poor nutrition, smoking and exposure to UV rays, can also play a role. Regular eye exams can detect any potential issues early, and early detection and treatment can help prevent more serious problems from developing later on.
If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye care conveniently located in Olympia.

How does nutrition affect pediatric eye health?

Proper nutrition is important for maintaining overall eye health and preventing eye diseases in children. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can help to promote healthy eye development and function.
Vitamin A is essential for the normal functioning of the retina, vitamin C helps to protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals, and vitamin E helps to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining the health of the retina.
A deficiency in any of these nutrients can lead to eye problems, such as night blindness, dry eyes, and even blindness. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.

Is it necessary for children to wear sunglasses?

Yes, it is necessary for children to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays can cause damage to the retina and increase the risk of cataracts and other eye problems later in life. It is important to choose sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. Children's eyes are more susceptible to UV damage than adult's eyes because the lens of the eye is not as effective at blocking UV rays in children. Additionally, children spend more time outdoors than adults and are more likely to be active outside, which increases their exposure to UV rays. Wearing sunglasses can help protect children's eyes from sunburn, cataracts, and other eye diseases later in. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye care conveniently located in Olympia.

What are some common eye problems in infants?

Common eye problems in infants include congenital cataracts, congenital glaucoma, infantile esotropia (crossed eyes), nystagmus, refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and retinopathy of prematurity. Many of these problems may not have any signs or symptoms and are often detected during routine eye exams. Early detection and treatment of eye problems in infants is important to prevent vision loss. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.

Are there any special considerations for children who wear contact lenses?

Children who wear contact lenses should be monitored closely by our optometrist to ensure proper fit and to check for any complications. Children may have trouble handling and caring for contact lenses, so it is important to teach them proper hygiene and lens care techniques. It's also important to schedule regular check-ups to monitor the health of their eyes and the contact lenses. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye care conveniently located in Olympia.

Can children develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. AMD is most commonly diagnosed in older adults, typically those over the age of 60. However, in rare cases, children can develop a genetic form of AMD known as Stargardt disease which is an inherited disorder that causes progressive vision loss, usually starting in childhood. Stargardt disease is caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene, this gene provides instructions for making a protein that helps to transport waste products out of cells in the retina. When this protein doesn't work properly, waste products build up in the retina, causing damage to the light-sensitive cells and leading to vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment of Stargardt disease is important to slow down the progression of the disease and preserve vision.

Can children develop diabetic retinopathy?

Yes, children with diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly. This is why regular eye exams are important for children with diabetes, to detect and treat diabetic retinopathy early. The risk of developing diabetic retinopathy increases with the duration and poor control of diabetes. Factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking also increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Can children develop diabetes?

Yes, children can develop diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and is an autoimmune disorder. Type 2 diabetes, which used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, is also increasingly being diagnosed in children, particularly those who are overweight or obese. This type of diabetes is caused by the body's inability to properly use insulin, often due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of physical activity.

At what age should a child have their first eye exam?

It is recommended that children have their first eye exam at the age of 6 months. This is because many eye problems can develop before a child reaches their first birthday, and early detection and treatment can help prevent more serious problems from developing later on.
This exam should be done by our pediatric optometrist, who is an eye doctor that specializes in treating children's eyes. They will perform a comprehensive eye exam, including visual acuity, refractive error, eye muscle function, and overall eye health. They may also check for any signs of strabismus (eye turn), amblyopia (lazy eye), and other issues that can affect vision development. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye care conveniently located in Olympia.

What are some signs that a child may need an eye exam?

Signs that a child may need an eye exam include frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting too close to the television or holding books too close, frequent headaches, and difficulty with school work. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.

What happens during a pediatric eye exam?

During a pediatric eye exam, our pediatric optometrist will perform a comprehensive examination of the child's eyes. The examination will include testing visual acuity, checking for any refractive errors, evaluating eye muscle function and overall eye health, checking for any signs of disease or injury, assessing the pupil's response to light, and checking for any misalignment or lazy eye. Our eye doctor may also take photographs of the child's eyes for future reference. The examination should be done in a child-friendly environment and may include the use of toys or games to make the child feel at ease and cooperate during the exam. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye care conveniently located in Olympia.

What are some common eye problems in children?

Common eye problems in children include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes or wandering eyes). If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye services for patients from Olympia, Lakewood, Tacoma, and Lacey.

How can parents help prevent eye problems in children?

Parents can help prevent eye problems in children by scheduling regular eye exams, ensuring that the child gets enough sleep and eats a healthy diet, and protecting their eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. If you are looking for a pediatric eye exam, call us to schedule an appointment today at (360) 491-2121. We are proud to be a leading provider of pediatric eye care conveniently located in Olympia.