What to Expect at Your Child’s Eye Exam

WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC EYE EXAM?

A pediatric eye exam differs from an adult eye exam in several key ways to ensure the most accurate results for your child. To properly assess your child’s visual health, our doctors perform a cycloplegic refraction. This procedure involves administering eye drops that temporarily relax the eye’s focusing system and dilate the pupils. By doing so, the doctor can obtain precise measurements of your child’s refractive status without interference from the eye’s natural focusing ability. If necessary, a retinal exam will also be performed once the drops have taken full effect, providing a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s eye health.

When will my child need a cycloplegic exam? 

• All first time pediatric patients presenting for an eye exam.

• Children 8 years old and under will need to be cyclopleged for their first visit to our office.
• 
Any child who may have amblyopia or lazy eye.
• 
Some patients over 8 (sometimes adults) will need a cycloplegic refraction if there are concerns that they are over-focusing their eyes and unable to relax their focusing system. 

What should I expect after a cycloplegic exam? 

• Your child will have blurry vision up to 6-8 hours after the visit and be light sensitive for 4-6 hours. 
• Your child may become sleepy and may need a nap after their exam.

• A cycloplegic exam lasts longer than a standard exam and the effects last longer (please allow 1.5 – 2 hours for the visit) 

How can I prepare my child for the exam? 

• Our doctors recommend you schedule your child’s eye exam in the morning when the child is fully rested or after a nap (especially children 6 years old and under).

• The child should have eaten 2 hours prior to the exam.
• 
If your child has a pair of sunglasses at home, bring them with you so that they can wear them after the exam (if they don’t, we will provide disposable sunglasses). 
• Let your child know that they will need eye drops and that they will feel a “tingly” sensation for a few minutes but they do not hurt.
• 
Allow accommodations in your schedule so that children will not need to read or be in bright sunlight for extended amounts of time after the exam.