Pediatric Eyecare

How often should children have an eye exam according to the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists?

  • Infants and toddlers (birth to 24 months):

    Between age 6 and 9 months

  • Preschool (2 to 5 years):

    At least one exam between ages 2 and 5 years.

  • School age (6 to 19 years):

    Annually

Children at high risk for eye disease may need more frequent eye exams.

“High risk” factors can include:

  • Premature birth;
  • low birth weight;
  • poor mother’s health during pregnancy;
  • family medical history; an eye ‘turn’;
  • congenital eye disorders;
  • those experiencing difficulty at school;
  • children exhibiting reading and/or learning disabilities.

One major concern for children is the risk of amblyopia.

Amblyopia is a neurologic condition that presents itself in poor vision of one or both eyes. Amblyopia can be due to a large refractive error in both eyes, a significant difference in each eye’s prescription, and/or an eye turning in or out. With early intervention and treatment, reduced vision can be avoided or limited. Amblyopia may be present even in children displaying no initial symptoms, it is therefore important for children to receive eye care starting at a young age.

Annual eye examinations for patients diagnosed with diabetes, along with all Saskatchewan children under the age of 18, are covered by Saskatchewan Health

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