How Safe Are Pediatric Eye Exams?
When conducted by qualified eye care professionals, pediatric eye exams are generally safe and well-tolerated. These exams are designed to assess a child's vision and eye health, and are essential for early detection and management of any vision problems or eye conditions.
At Vision Source Castle Hills, our optometrist in San Antonio, TX, understands that most parents worry about the safety of pediatric eye exams. We’re here to set your mind at ease with the following facts.
Pediatric Eye Exams
A pediatric eye exam involves a comprehensive assessment of the child's visual acuity, eye movement, eye alignment, focusing abilities, and eye health. This exam may include tests like eye charts, retinoscopy, and a thorough examination of the external and internal structures of the eyes. Children are typically tested for color blindness and other issues that commonly present themselves early on.
Dilation May Cause Discomfort
In some cases, our eye care professional may recommend dilating the child's pupils to obtain a more comprehensive view of the eye's internal structures. Pupil dilation is generally safe, and its effects are temporary, lasting a few hours. These drops can be slightly uncomfortable, but they aren’t dangerous and tend to be more of a sting than actual pain.
Safer Than Avoiding Eye Exams
While there isn’t anything unsafe about taking your child to an eye doctor, avoiding exams can often be detrimental to your child's health. Eye exams can ensure your child has a clear vision to help them through school and enjoy life. However, these exams are also an opportunity to detect signs of potential eye diseases or other significant issues.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam
At Vision Source Castle Hills in San Antonio, TX, we do everything possible to make children comfortable while providing the best care. Call us at (210) 344-1400 to schedule an appointment today. If you don’t live in or around the San Antonio area, search for “pediatric eye doctor near me,” "family optometrist near me," or “pediatric optometrist near me” for local care providers.