When should I take my child to the ophthalmologist?
July 31, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Hildegard Hirschfeld
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Wilhelm Lenzner and I am concerned about the eye health of my child. My son is now five years old and I am wondering when it would be appropriate to take him to an eye doctor. So far, he has not shown any obvious problems with his eyes, but I am worried that I may be overlooking something.
My son does not have any pre-existing conditions related to his eyes, but I have heard that children require regular check-ups to ensure that their vision is developing normally. I am wondering if there is a specific time when it would be best to take him to the eye doctor, or if I should simply wait until he shows signs of vision problems.
I am particularly concerned as I wear glasses myself and vision problems are hereditary in my family. I want to make sure that I am doing everything possible to protect my son's eye health.
Could you please advise me on when would be the best time to schedule an appointment with the eye doctor for my son? Are there any specific signs I should watch out for that indicate he may need a vision screening? I want to make sure that I am doing everything possible to ensure the health of his eyes.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Wilhelm Lenzner
Dear Mr. Lenzner,
Thank you for your question regarding the eye health of your son. It is understandable that you are concerned and want to ensure that his vision is developing optimally. As a pediatrician specializing in children's health, I can provide you with some recommendations on when it is best to take your son to the eye doctor.
In general, it is recommended that children should have their first eye exam by an ophthalmologist between the ages of three to four. This is to detect and treat any potential vision problems early on. In your case, since you have vision problems yourself and they are hereditary in your family, it may be advisable to have an examination at the age of three to ensure that your son does not have any genetically inherited issues.
However, it is important to note that even without obvious signs of vision problems, regular eye exams are recommended. A child's eyes develop quickly, and early intervention can help prevent long-term issues.
Signs to watch out for that may indicate your son may need a vision check include frequent blinking, rubbing eyes, headaches, reading or concentration difficulties, eye misalignment, or squinting. If you notice any of these signs, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible.
It is also important to note that regular eye exams are part of routine preventive care for children and may be recommended by the pediatrician. Therefore, feel free to discuss this topic with your pediatrician at the next check-up and request a referral to an eye doctor if necessary.
I hope this information helps and reassures you. Your son's eye health is important, and it is good that you are taking care of it.
Best regards,
Hildegard Hirschfeld, Pediatrician
