Every child should receive an eye examination before beginning school, therefore, you should schedule an appointment with an optometrist before your child begins kindergarten. Vision problems left undetected may affect your child's performance in school and hinder his or her progress. Typically, the optometrist will ask for your child's medical history and inquire about other important factors that affect his or her vision.

If you are wondering what to expect from your child's very first eye exam, here is what typically will take place at the eye doctor's office:

You Will Complete a Case History Form

This form typically includes several questions about your child's general health, medical history, and family history of vision or medical conditions. To make it a simple process, you may check on the optometrist's website to see if this form is available for download. If so, you may print the form and complete it at home, then bring it to the eye doctor's office to save time. Otherwise, you'll be given the form at the office.

One of the important questions you'll see on the form will pertain to your child's birth history. If he or she had a low birth weight or was not carried full term, your child may be at a higher risk for vision problems. You may also be asked to list any complications during your pregnancy or delivery.

Your Child's Vision Will Be Tested

Even preschoolers or toddlers that do not know numbers or letters can undergo a vision test. These tests may involve shinning a light into the eye in order to inspect how the retina reflects the light. This process is referred to as a retinoscopy. Additionally, your child may be shown a symbol chart to identify objects such as a house, a bird or an apple. The doctor may also check for signs of lazy eye and misalignment of the eyes. The doctor will note how your child focuses on objects or if one eye focus outward.

If your child is nearsighted or farsighted, the doctor may write a prescription for eyeglasses. Some vision problems may be corrected through a series of eye exercises, or in more serious cases, through surgery.

Your Child May Be Nervous

Before you take your child to the eye doctor for a first-ever examination, it's a good idea to prepare for the visit. Explain in simple terms what the doctor will do (such as ask to identify objects or look up or down). Let your child know that the procedure will not hurt him or her, so your little one won't be hesitant or afraid. To learn more ideas, visit resources like http://allabouteyes.com.

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