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Pediatric Eyecare Q & A

Do all children need pediatric eyecare?

Yes. All children should undergo pediatric eye care at least once annually. Pediatric eyecare screens children and teens for eye disorders and diseases before they result in complications that affect health or development. 

Vistasite Eye Care offers preventive pediatric eye exams for children of all ages. In addition to screening for a range of eye conditions, Dr. Ryvkin tests their visual acuity to determine if they need glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision.

When should my child receive pediatric eyecare for the first time?

Dr. Ryvkin recommends that all children undergo an eye exam by the time they’re six months old.  If your child’s eyes are healthy, you can expect to schedule their next appointment around age three and again before they begin kindergarten.

Your child should visit Dr. Ryvkin every two years if they’re in school. If your child needs glasses or contacts or has risk factors for eye disease, Dr. Ryvkin might recommend more frequent checkups.

Schedule a pediatric eye care appointment at Vistasite Eye Care in The Bronx if your child experiences any of the following symptoms:

  • Squinting
  • Eye pain
  • Eye rubbing
  • Persistent eye-watering

Difficulties reading or using a computer can also be warning signs of underlying vision problems and other conditions.

What does pediatric eyecare involve?

During a pediatric eye care exam, Dr. Ryvkin reviews your child’s personal and family medical history to learn more about their risk factors for eye diseases and disorders.

He then uses several tests to assess your child’s visual acuity and eye health. Testing identifies refractive errors like astigmatism and conditions like:

  • Crossed eyes (strabismus)
  • Poor depth perception
  • Color blindness
  • Eye movement disorders
  • Lazy eye (amblyopia)

If your child needs glasses or contacts to improve their vision, Dr. Ryvkin provides a prescription. 

If your child’s eye exam reveals underlying disorders, Dr. Ryvkin develops a personalized treatment plan. He discusses the available options for care based on your child’s condition, age, and general eye health.

How can I protect my child’s vision?

There are several things you can do to protect your child’s vision. Dr. Ryvkin recommends limiting the use of digital screens, wearing sunglasses outdoors to prevent vision damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, and encouraging your child to eat a healthy diet.

Call Vistasite Eye Care in The Bronx today to schedule a pediatric eyecare consultation for your child or book an appointment online.