When you have a child, it’s only natural to wonder about safety. You do not have to worry about the optometrist hurting your child during a pediatric exam. The real harm lies in not getting your child’s eyes checked by a pediatric optometrist. At Family Eyecare of Glendale, we provide quality eye care for patients of all ages, including children.
Nothing is 100% Safe
It is theoretically possible that your child may feel pain or discomfort during an exam from a pediatric optometrist. If your child does not stay still during the exam, there is a chance of getting accidentally poked in the eye.
About Dilation Eye Exams
In order to make sure your child’s eyes are normal, they will need to be dilated as part of the pediatric eye exam. These drops can cause a bad headache or sensitivity to light. Bring sunglasses for your child to help with the headache and light sensitivity.
Your Child Will Not Tell You If Something Is Wrong
Children do not know how they are supposed to see. They assume that the way they see, even if it is blurry or dark, is the way everyone sees. In other words, they just don’t know any better. A vision exam helps your child learn how clear and bright vision can be.
Getting Your Child to Sit Still for Eye Care
With babies, it’s easy to just hold them still. With larger children, it’s a little more difficult. Stay in the room with your child to make them feel safer. Explain beforehand what happens during the procedure. Promise, and then deliver, on a special reward if your child stays still. You can also set a good example by allowing the pediatric optometrist to examine you first, so your child knows there is nothing to be upset about.
Contact Our Optometrists in Glendale, AZ
If you have questions about the benefits of regular eye exams for your child and live in the Glendale area, contact Family Eyecare of Glendale to speak with one of our eye doctors. Call our team today at (602) 843-2900 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.