Vision is not fully developed immediately after the baby is born. Only a few months after birth, visual stimuli begin the intensive development of vision. When the child turns 3 years old, the parents are the ones who are obliged to take their child for a preventive or routine examination by an ophthalmologist, although at first glance it may seem that everything is fine. Parents often say that the child sees even the smallest crumbs on the carpet, forgetting the fact that the child sees with both eyes and therefore it is important to examine the vision of each eye individually. Also, visual acuity alone does not determine the other aspects of vision that are just as important for a child’s normal, everyday functioning, especially at school. These are, for example, coordination of eye movements, placement of the eyeball, the possibility of accommodation when looking closely, examination of binocular vision, the presence of strabismus, etc.

Symptoms and signs that should raise suspicion of eye disease in your child are:

– White pupil, when the child does not fixate, i.e. does not notice and does not follow objects and toys with their eyes. When one or both eyes are curved, they close one eye, bow their head to the shoulder, make spontaneous, rhythmic movements of both eyes. Then, excessive tearing, redness of the eyes, frequent rubbing of the eyes, fatigue, headache (especially when reading), excessive approach to the TV.

How long does the ophthalmological examination last and what does it cover?

It can last from 30 – 40 minutes, up to 1 hour and includes:
  • Determination of monofocal visual acuity, far and near
  • Strabismus and stereo vision tests
  • Refractive error correction (diopter)
  • Pupil dilation and objective diopter determination
  • Complete examination of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye.
At the Department of Children and Strabismus in our clinic, the ophthalmological examination is adapted to the age of the child and we make it fun, interesting and educational.