Pediatric Eye Exam

Dr. Elmer and Dr. Manzo utilize facilities and equipment specifically designed to meet the unique ophthalmic needs of children. This is what can be expected in the course of a child’s eye exam:

• Visual acuity: Checking this is possible even in children who do not speak yet. For older children, picture charts, letter games and letter recognition can be used.
• Muscle balance and eye alignment: Using various methods, light reflexes or alternately covering each eye will check to make sure there is no movement from the straight ahead position.
• Binocular vision: Tests will determine to make sure the brain is using they eyes together.
• Refraction: This measures the “power” of the eye and determines if there is nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism present.
• Fundus examination: Using a special light, the doctor looks in to the back of the child’s eye. Because this is an area where blood vessels and portions of the brain can be seen, it is very valuable in helping to diagnose many disorders that can affect the entire body.

Once the exam is complete, glasses may be prescribed. Our convenient optical has a wide selection of frames for children, including the very young child. Treatment or surgery for other problems may also be addressed at the end of the exam. Blurriness associated with the dilating drops will fade in a matter of hours.