Eye drops are used to help us to further evaluate vision and eye health. First, an anesthetic eye drop is used to numb the eye. Then special eye drops will be used (age and eye dependent) to relax, or cycloplege, the focusing muscles of the eyes. Cycloplegia allows for a more accurate measurement of refractive error and the need for glasses. This is especially important for children in the treatment of amblyopia ("lazy eye") and strabismus (eye misalignment). These same

First, a medical history form will be completed for the examining doctor to review. A medical assistant or technician will help start the exam by reviewing the history and reason for the visit, and then will take an initial measurement of the eye behind a machine called an autorefractor. This will give an estimate of your child's focusing error. Then, we will check your child's vision (distance and near), depth perception, and color vision, all dependent on the age and abil

We often hear the question “Does my child need an eye exam?” The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) just released a statement recommending that children 3 to 5 years of age should undergo a vision screening at least once to detect amblyopia (“lazy eye”) or its risk factors. The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) has a more extensive set of guidelines for vision screening from newborns to children 5 years of age and older. Click h

Every child should have a set of sun glasses. Just like every child should have a hat, wear sunscreen, eat veggies and brush their teeth. (Yes, it is really that important.) I’m surprised by the number of parents that feel their kids don’t need them and in my opinion it’s a real problem. According to a WebMD study, 73% of adults wear sunglasses but only 58% of them make their children wear shades. Though not specified in the study, those numbers should primarily reflect n