Children's eye health is essential for visual development and learning, but parents are not always aware of the importance of routine exams from the first months of life. Identifying visual problems early can prevent complications and provide healthy visual development. Below, learn about the main ophthalmological exams available for babies and children, including the Advanced Newborn Eye Screening, and understand the benefits of each one.
Why Perform Ophthalmological Exams on Babies?
During development, babies' eyes go through several stages of maturation. Any change in eye development can directly impact vision, which is essential for other areas, such as cognitive and motor development. Routine exams allow for the early identification and treatment of conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia (lazy eye), myopia, hyperopia and even more serious problems, such as retinoblastoma.
Main Eye Exams for Babies
1. Red Reflex Test
This is one of the most basic exams, performed shortly after birth. The doctor uses a beam of light to check the baby's retinal reflex. The presence of a red reflex indicates a healthy eye, while the absence of this reflex can signal conditions such as congenital cataracts or retinal problems.
2. Advanced Newborn Eye Screening
The Advanced Newborn Eye Screening (or Universal newborn eye screening - UNES) is a more comprehensive version of the Red Reflex Test. It uses advanced imaging technology, offering a detailed analysis of the retina and internal structures of the eye. This exam is essential for the early detection of serious problems that can compromise vision in the long term, such as retinoblastoma and other retinal diseases. UNES has the benefit of being more accurate and complete, providing parents with a reliable and expanded assessment of their baby's eye health.Â
3. Children's Visual Acuity Exam
This exam is generally recommended for children aged 3 and older and measures the child's visual ability to see objects at different distances. Even if the child cannot describe what he or she sees, the exam uses playful methods to evaluate the visual response of each eye, identifying signs of myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.
Benefits of the Advanced Newborn Eye Screening
The Advanced Newborn Eye Screening stands out among the exam options because it offers a complete view of the eye structures and allows an early assessment of conditions that the conventional Red Reflex Test may not detect. In addition:
It is quick and non-invasive: This exam lasts just a few minutes and does not cause discomfort to the baby.
Detection of serious problems: Identifying serious conditions early allows treatments to be more effective, preventing sequelae.
Peace of mind for parents: Knowing that the baby's eye health has been thoroughly assessed gives parents confidence in their child's visual development.
The Importance of Regular Exams
The child's eye health should be monitored regularly, as changes in vision can occur as they grow. The main recommendations are:
First visit before 6 months.
Second visit between 1 and 2 years of age.
Annual visits from 3 years of age or as indicated by the ophthalmologist.
Investing in routine eye exams is essential to ensure your baby's healthy visual development. In addition to conventional methods, such as the Red Reflex Test, the Advanced Newborn Eye Screening represents a comprehensive and effective alternative for identifying possible vision problems in the first months of life. Performing these exams can make all the difference in your child's future vision and quality of life.
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