How Do Opticians Test Children’s Eyes?

Everything about your child’s health is precious, and one aspect that is often overlooked is taking them for an opticians children’s eye test. For many people, especially those who do not require glasses themselves, it is something that is simply overlooked, however proper eye testing from when they are young can be a huge benefit. As they are growing and getting to know shapes, colours and letters, it is important that their eyes are performing at their best to help them discover the world. 

Signs that your child might benefit from an opticians children’s eye test 

The first eye examination is made very early on in your child’s life, during the first baby health check, but after that it is up to you to use your judgement. Screening can be done at school when teachers pick up on children squinting at the board, and some schools even offer basic eye tests. 

It is hard to know when to take your child for their first eye examination, but there are some clues that are easy to spot if you know what you are looking for:

• They complain about headaches or eye strain – this is usually caused by trying to focus their eyes throughout the day
• Their eyes are not pointing in the same direction 
• They always need to be very close to the book when ready or close to the TV when watching telly
• They have trouble coordinating their movements and are very clumsy 
• They are always rubbing their eyes 

If your child is exhibiting any of these signs, even before they begin school, then it is recommended that you book them in for an eye appointment for an optician to perform an eye examination. 

What does an opticians children’s eye test include?

Although all children differ, the regular children’s eye examination test is very similar to the adults and a standard children’s eye test will typically include the following: 

1. Pupil reflex – this is mostly carried out on babies and very young children, and consists of the optician shining a light into your child’s eyes to see how their pupils react to light 
2. Reading Chart – there is a child’s version of the well-known letters chart, but as your child will probably be too young to understand or read letters, easily identifiable shapes and images will be used instead such as birds, flowers, a house – anything that your child will instantly recognise and understand. As with the adult version, the shapes and images will start off large and gradually get smaller to test visibility. 
3. Colour deficiency test – this is used to identify colour blindness and consists of a simple task whereby your child will be asked to identify a shape or symbol made up of coloured dots
4. Refraction test – during the optician’s children’s eye test, the optician will examine your child’s eye muscles by performing movement tests. For example, the optician will show your child an object from 8 different angles and ask them to point to the object to see if they can see it. 

An eye test can sometimes be intimidating for children, especially those who are extremely young. But by using colours, shapes and pictures your optician can make it fun and interesting, as well as be able to identify any problems that your child may have with their eyesight. 

Eye conditions in children

As well as the basic eye examination, your optician will also test for common eye issues in children. Just like with adults, many children’s eye issues will start small and often go unnoticed for years, which is why it is important for your child to have regular eye tests. Some common eye issues in children include: 

• Lazy eye – this is where the vision in one of the eye’s does not develop as it should. Eye patches and special glasses used to block the strong eye will be prescribed to help make the lazy eye work harder and stimulate the neurological pathways
• Myopia – this is where your child has difficulty in seeing distant objects but is able to see objects that are close. Vision can be correct with special prescriptive lenses, called Orthokeratology Lenses that can be changed as the prescription progresses. Orthokeratology Lenses are special gas-permeable lenses that are designed to reshape the cornea whilst you are sleeping. They are removed in the morning to allow your child to go about their day as normal. 
• Strabismus – commonly known as crossed eyes, this condition sees one or both eyes becoming misaligned by turning in, out, up, or down. In this instance, eye patching is again prescribed to help strengthen the eye muscles

Whilst these are only a few of the issues that could develop during childhood, it highlights the importance of a regular opticians children’s eye test. If you are worried, or you have any questions or queries, then our friendly team at Optical Revolution will be happy to give you more information, guidance or to book a children’s eye examination.