InfantSEE Exams: What Tests Will Be Conducted
At Cincinnati Vision Group, we understand how critical early eye care is to your child's overall health and development. InfantSEE® exams, a complimentary public health program for infants 6 to 12 months old, help detect potential vision issues before they become serious problems. Many parents wonder, "What exactly happens during an InfantSEE® exam?" Here’s a breakdown of the tests and assessments your child will undergo during this comprehensive evaluation.
One of the first things your optometrist will assess is how well your baby’s eyes work together. This involves checking for proper eye alignment (strabismus) and smooth eye movements, which are essential for depth perception and overall visual development. Your optometrist will use lights and toys to capture your baby’s attention and observe how their eyes move in response.
The optometrist will also test your infant’s pupil response to light. This is done by shining a small light into each eye to see how well the pupils react. A normal reaction indicates that the optic nerve is functioning properly, and the visual system is processing light appropriately.
Even though your baby cannot read an eye chart, the optometrist can still evaluate visual acuity. Using special tools like fixation targets, light-up objects, or patterns, your eye doctor will gauge how well your infant can focus on and track objects. This helps determine if your baby has any early refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye) can be caught early with the right tests. Your optometrist will use a series of techniques to assess how well your child’s eyes focus at different distances. By ensuring that both eyes are working correctly, potential issues can be identified and treated early on.
The physical health of the eyes will also be examined. The optometrist will check the external structure of the eye, including the eyelids, cornea, and iris, to rule out any abnormalities. Using specialized tools, they will look inside the eye to evaluate the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels for any signs of disease or developmental concerns.
Depth perception is crucial as your child learns to navigate their surroundings. The optometrist will conduct simple tests to determine whether your baby’s eyes are working together to perceive depth correctly. Any problems with depth perception can be addressed early to support your child’s motor development.
InfantSEE® exams are designed to detect any early signs of eye or vision problems that could interfere with your child’s development. Conditions like amblyopia, eye misalignment, and refractive errors can all be identified during this crucial stage. By taking advantage of this complimentary exam, you’re giving your child a head start on maintaining healthy vision.
By understanding the tests conducted during an InfantSEE® exam, you can feel confident that your child is receiving comprehensive care aimed at supporting their vision and overall development. At Cincinnati Vision Group, we are committed to ensuring your baby’s eyes are developing normally.
If your child is between 6 and 12 months old, now is the perfect time to schedule their InfantSEE® exam, contact Cincinnati Vision Group to give your child the best chance for a lifetime of healthy vision. Visit any of our offices in Cincinnati, Liberty Township, Dayton, or West Chester, Ohio. Call (513) 793-5970, (513) 712-5065, (513) 753-4981, (937) 435-4293, or (937) 579-0393 to book an appointment today.