When should I have my child's eyes examined?

This is an important question that needs to be explained. A simple answer to your question is really anytime. We even examine infants' eyes here at the office. If there's a history of strabismus (eye turn), high astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia we will often do an eye exam around 2 to 3 years of age.

More routine exams should start around 4 to 5 years of age. Sometimes parents may confuse a visual acuity screening with an eye exam. This is where the child will be asked to read the letters on a chart at the doctors office or at a school screening. This is not an eye exam!  While this is useful and good it primarily picks up myopia. About 1 in 3 cases that need glasses will be missed. These missed cases include things like astigmatism or hyperopia. These are problems that can definitely affect your child's performance at school.

I think an easy rule of thumb to remember is, if your child is old enough to go to school they should get an eye exam every year. If there's a history of unusual eye problems in the family bring your child in sooner.

Take advantage of summer break--get your child's eyes checked so they can start the new school year with perfect vision at Drboyeroptometrist.com

RECALL ALERT

RECALL:

Eye drops sold over the counter at Walmart and Walgreens have been recalled by the pharmaceuticals company Altaire. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the products may not be sterile. 

The brand is EQUATE, and it includes eye drops, treatments for allergy relief, gel drops, and solutions all manufactured and sold at WALMART.

Customers with questions regarding this recall can contact Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc., by calling 1-800-258-2471, or e-mailing otcdruggist@aol.com Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Customers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax. Complete and submit the report Online Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178