When your baby is first born, their vision will be briefly tested. Then, at their first pediatric appointment, their 3-month, and then their 6-month appointment, their vision will also be tested for a variety of different things including responsiveness, preferential looking, and their ability to follow moving objects. To help you as a new parent feel more relaxed about the examination, we have created a brief guide listing what you can expect. Read on to learn more.
It Won’t Hurt
When it comes to having a newborn, the last thing you want to do is inflict any amount of pain upon them. Luckily, your newborn’s eye examination is completely non-invasive and won’t cause any pain or discomfort.
It’s Brief
Another thing to know about your infant’s eye testing is that it’s brief— in fact, it should only last a few minutes if nothing is detected. Infant eye testing includes (as mentioned above) testing for responsiveness, preferential looking, and their ability to follow moving objects.
- Responsiveness
This test is done to evaluate the pupil’s responsiveness to light. By flashing a small flashlight on their eye, our doctors will be able to see how their pupil response to both the presence and absence of light.
- Preferential Looking
Because infants are non-verbal, we can’t exactly ask them to read an eye chart for us. However, we like to use a different test instead. By using cards that are blank on one side and have stripes on the other, we can assess their vision capabilities and how they respond to the striped side.
- Following
By 3-months, your baby should be able to follow any object. Typically, we will take a small object like tongue depressor and have them follow it from side-to-side, and up and down.
A vision test is a standard part of a newborn examination and well checkups. To learn more about infant eye examinations or to schedule an appointment, contact Wilkinson Eye Center today!
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