Pediatric Eye Care
Comprehensive Eye Care
Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00PM
Friday 9:00 AM–4:00PM
Closed Saturday-Sunday
When your child needs vision correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or treatment for an eye condition, trust the experts at West Broward Eyecare Associates in Tamarac, Florida. The doctors treat a variety of pediatric eye conditions and give excellent, compassionate care. Call the office or schedule your child’s appointment online as well as appointments for any other family.
Pediatric Eye Exam Q&As
HOW OFTEN DOES MY CHILD NEED AN EYE EXAM?
While your pediatrician may perform a screening check, children should get a comprehensive eye exam starting at 6 months old, 3 years old, and before kindergarten. Children may not complain about their vision because they don’t know what “good vision” is supposed to look like. Early eye exams are critical in identifying vision and eye alignment problems to reduce the risk of permanently reduced vision or Amblyopia (lazy eye). Our doctors are experienced in adapting our comprehensive eye exams to accommodate young children!
WHAT OCCURS DURING A CHILD’S EYE EXAM?
Your child’s eye exam includes an overall inspection of their eyes and eyelids. The doctors look at muscle movement, pupils, and reflection of light from the back of the eye. Older children have the back of their eye examined using an ophthalmoscope.
The doctors also check your child’s cornea using a small flashlight. They also perform “cover testing,” which detects shifts in the eyes. During a cover test, the doctor asks your child to focus while covering one eye, and then the other. Age-appropriate visual acuity tests are also conducted — this is the familiar eye chart test.
Why is it important for children to have annual eye exams?
Myopia or nearsightedness is increasing at a significant rate in children. The World Health Organization expected 50% of the world population to be myopic by 2050. The newest reports post-pandemic may indicate that this may be an underestimation due to the increased screen time and reduced outdoor time in young children. Early intervention is critical in providing clear vision and reducing the risk for progression. Your doctors at West Broward Eyecare now have FDA-approved methods to slow down increasing myopia in children.
WHAT SIGNS SUGGEST MY CHILD SHOULD GO TO THE EYE DOCTOR?
- Poor school performance
- Not wanting to go to school or not wanting to read
- Difficulty paying attention
- Difficulty when reading or writing
- Blurry or double vision
- Headaches or eye pain
- Squinting or straining to see
- Trouble seeing information on the board in class
- Taking longer than normal to complete homework
- Holding reading material very close