Sacred Heart Logo

Pediatric Eye Care Q & A

What is pediatric eye care?

Pediatric eye care is an optometry subspecialty that diagnoses, treats, and prevents refraction errors, eye injuries, and eye diseases in kids and teens. 

Children’s eyes undergo various changes during the first few years of life. Regular visits to Corona Vision Center protect your child’s vision and ensure they meet all of their developmental milestones. 


When does my child need pediatric eye care?

The Corona Vision Center team recommends that all children undergo their first pediatric eye exam shortly after birth. A basic eye exam tests for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and assesses your child’s ability to move their eyes. 

After the initial newborn exam, the team recommends regular pediatric eye exams at the following times:

  • Once between the ages of 6-12 months
  • Once between the ages of 1-3 years
  • Once between the ages of 3-5 years (before school starts)
  • Every one or two years after the age of 5

If your child has underlying health problems that increase their risk of vision problems, like diabetes, more frequent checkups might be necessary.


How do I prepare for pediatric eye care?

Before visiting Corona Vision Center, gather your insurance information and a list of the medications and supplements your child takes. If they’ve visited a different optometrist in the past or suffered previous eye injuries, bring those records and associated documents as well. 


What does pediatric eye care involve?

The Corona Vision Center team tailors pediatric eye care to each child’s needs. 

The optometrist reviews your child’s medical records and asks questions about their vision and general health. Because some children experience anxiety, you’re welcome to sit in the exam room with your child and answer questions for them. 

After gathering some basic information, your child’s provider completes a comprehensive eye exam, including a visual acuity test, a slit-lamp test, and optical coherence tomography (OCT), an imaging procedure that captures detailed photos of your child’s eyes. 

If your child’s provider identifies a potential problem, like a refractive error or abnormally high intraocular pressure, they develop a personalized treatment plan. For example, if your child is nearsighted, they prescribe eyeglasses or contacts. 


How can I protect my child’s vision?

The easiest way to protect your child’s vision is to schedule regular eye exams. You should also encourage them to wear sunglasses outdoors, and keep potentially dangerous items, like sharp objects or chemicals, out of their reach.

Call Corona Vision Center today to schedule pediatric eye care for your child, or book an appointment online.