Baby's First Exam Check

A baby’s first eye exam can be done at 6 months old. At this age, Dr. Arthur Benjamin will check for:

• Congenital cataracts
• Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
• Eye teaming skills
• Focusing skills

The First Comprehensive Exam

The next eye exam should be conducted between the ages of 3 and 4.  At this time a child is able to give more subjective answers to questions which can provide more accurate feedback.  Eye charts containing pictures, numbers, or letters are used.  Other tests involved include:

• Visual acuity
• Depth perception 
• Color vision

Along with these tests, Dr. Benjamin will check for congenital disorders, lazy eye (amblyopia), and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes).  Conditions, which are not urgent but require attention, occur when baby's eyes seem to move incessantly and if they don't look directly at a person.

Preschool Vision Examination

It is important for children to have an eye exam before starting kindergarten.  Poor vision can affect child's learning process and self esteem.  A comprehensive children's eye exam should entail:

• Eye health
• Visual acuity 
• Proper eye alignment
• Muscle function
• Visual acuity

If no visual correction is necessary, subsequent eye exams should take place every 2-3 years.  For children who require glasses or contact lenses, eye exams should occur on an annual basis.