Pediatric and Developmental Vision Evaluation in Manlius and Syracuse, NY

Children’s bodies change rapidly as they grow. These changes can include vision. When eye problems develop, it’s important to detect them early to maximize the benefits of treatment. At Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., we offer pediatric vision screening in Manlius and Syracuse, New York. With our cutting-edge medical equipment and our personalized approach, we deliver accurate results and effective treatments to protect your child’s vision.

The Importance of Childhood Vision Evaluations

A person’s vision changes quickly through childhood. As a newborn, their vision is mostly blurry. It continues to develop until the eyes are fully formed in the teen years. Due to these rapid changes, this is a common time for eye problems to emerge. Frequent testing is the most reliable way to detect problems as they develop. The sooner vision problems are diagnosed, the more successful treatment or management plans will be.

Pediatric screenings are also important to rule out factors that interfere with academic success. If your child underperforms at school, it may be due to an optical problem that affects their ability to read and write. This makes it difficult to learn at the same rate as children who can see clearly. Early detection allows a prompt response with corrective lenses or other treatments, preventing learning delays and helping the child perform to their full potential.

When to Schedule a Pediatric Vision Screening

Because a child’s vision is constantly evolving, doctors recommend frequent evaluation. Routine screenings have the best chance of detecting an eye problem early. The American Optometric Association recommends the following examination frequency for children and teenagers:

• Once between 6 and 12 months old
• Once between 3 and 5 years old
• Annually between 6 and 17 years old

Parents should also schedule an evaluation if they notice signs of an eye problem. Children, especially young ones, may not understand they have a problem or know how to communicate it. Instead, watch for these common identifiers:

• Frequent eye rubbing
• Red or inflamed eyes
• Excess tear production
• Light sensitivity
• Crossed eyes
• Dilated pupils
• Tilting the head to see
• Squinting to see objects far away
• Trouble reading or holding material close to read
• Difficulty with or avoidance of “up-close” tasks
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination
• Short attention span

All these symptoms may indicate an eye problem in need of treatment. Children who have signs of an existing eye problem, or who are at risk of eye disease due to family history or underlying conditions, may need more frequent evaluations. Speak with your eye doctor at Savedoff, Ciccone & Davis, Doctors of Optometry, P.C., to learn more about the evaluation schedule recommended for your child.

Developmental Vision Evaluations

When your child visits one of our locations, the eye doctor will conduct a series of tests. These are painless, though they might be slightly uncomfortable. Some are focused on measuring visual acuity; others assess visual skills.

• Binocular vision: This test determines how well the child’s eyes work together. If eyes do not transmit information together, vision may be unfocused or blurry.
• Ocular motility: This test evaluates how well the child can control eye focus and tracking, which are important skills for reading and other activities.
• Accommodation: This test evaluates how well the eyes focus on objects at different distances. This skill is essential for long-term vision without fatigue.
• Visual perception: This test evaluates the child’s ability to analyze what they see, as well as their visual memory and comprehension.
• Visual motor integration: This test evaluates hand-eye and body-eye coordination to determine how well the body reacts to visual information.
• Balance and coordination: This test determines whether visual information is transmitted effectively to the brain for good balance.

If these tests indicate an issue, the doctor may request additional tests to clarify the cause. Extra tests may include medical imaging or other forms of examination, which can help the doctor arrive at a correct diagnosis and plan the proper treatment.