Taking care of your child’s health is a top priority, and that includes their vision. At [Your Clinic Name – insert clinic name if known from context, otherwise generalize to “our clinic”], we understand the unique eye care needs of children. We work closely with local pediatricians, family doctors, and optometrists in Coeur d’Alene (CDA) to provide comprehensive and specialized eye care for your little ones. Our team of experienced professionals, specializing as Cda Pediatrics Doctors in eye health, are dedicated to ensuring your child has the best possible vision for a bright future.
We are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of pediatric eye conditions. From common issues like blocked tear ducts and styes to more complex problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes), and congenital glaucoma, our CDA pediatrics doctors have the expertise to help. We also manage allergic conjunctivitis, eyelid drooping (ptosis), and dermoid cysts, ensuring your child receives the specialized care they need, right here in Coeur d’Alene. We believe in a collaborative approach, partnering with community optometrists to deliver cost-effective and coordinated pediatric eye care.
When Should You Consider a Pediatric Eye Exam?
It’s natural for parents to wonder if their child’s vision is developing correctly. Certain signs can indicate potential vision problems that warrant attention from CDA pediatrics doctors specializing in eye care. Keep an eye out for these indicators:
- Frequent squinting or closing one eye when focusing.
- Tilting or turning the head to look at objects.
- Eyes that appear to be crossed, drifting outwards, or upwards.
- Difficulty recognizing objects or people at a distance.
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books too close to the face.
- Consistent looking over the top of glasses or tilting glasses to see.
- Persistent red, itchy eyes.
- Excessive tearing or crusting in one or both eyes.
- Swollen eyelids.
- Unusual sensitivity to light.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with experienced CDA pediatrics doctors to ensure early diagnosis and intervention if necessary.
What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam with CDA Pediatrics Doctors?
Knowing what to expect during an eye exam can help ease any anxieties for both you and your child. When you bring your child to our CDA pediatrics doctors for an eye exam, here’s what you can anticipate:
The exam begins with checking your child’s vision for both near and far distances. We will assess eye alignment by briefly covering each eye individually and observe eye movements and depth perception (stereovision). To get a complete view of your child’s eye health, we use dilating eye drops. These drops take about 30 minutes to fully take effect and relax your child’s focusing muscles. Please plan for your visit to last approximately 2-3 hours to allow for dilation and a thorough examination.
Once the eyes are dilated, our CDA pediatrics doctors will conduct a detailed examination of the internal structures of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve. Using a retinoscope (a special lighted instrument) and lenses, we will also precisely determine your child’s glasses prescription. This comprehensive approach ensures we have a complete picture of your child’s visual health.
While the American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology doesn’t recommend routine eye exams for all children, they do emphasize the importance of routine vision screenings. These screenings are often conducted during well-child checkups at your pediatrician’s office and at school. Our CDA pediatrics doctors actively participate in coordinating these screenings within our community. However, if your family has a history of eye diseases, or if you observe any unusual eye or vision symptoms in your child, a comprehensive eye exam by CDA pediatrics doctors is strongly recommended.
If you’re unsure whether your child needs an eye exam, our knowledgeable team is here to assist you. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment with our dedicated CDA pediatrics doctors. We are committed to providing exceptional eye care for your children in Coeur d’Alene. For further information on common eye conditions affecting children, please visit American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology.
