Pediatric Eye Exams in Edmonton: When Should Your Baby Have Their First Eye Exam?
The first year of life is full of developmental milestones, from the first smile to the first steps. But did you know that your baby’s vision is also developing rapidly during this time? At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., we help parents track their infant’s visual development and ensure their little ones are seeing the world as they should.
One of the most important things you can do for your child’s eye health is schedule their first eye exam at six months old. Pediatric eye exams in Alberta are covered by the province, making it easier than ever to get your child the care they need.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s vision, book an appointment with our family-friendly optometrists today.
How Your Baby’s Vision Develops in the First Year
Your child’s vision changes dramatically in the first year of life. Understanding these milestones can help you recognize if their vision is developing properly.
Vision at Birth
Newborns have blurry vision and mostly see in shades of gray. Their visual acuity is around 20/400, meaning they can only see clearly up close. They are naturally drawn to bright lights and high-contrast objects.
One Month Old
At this stage, babies can see objects best from about 8 to 10 inches away. They may begin tracking movement with their eyes, especially if there’s a strong contrast between an object and its background.
Two to Four Months Old
Your baby will become more interested in movement and begin following objects with their eyes. They may also start reaching for objects, though their coordination is still developing.
Five to Eight Months Old
During this stage, colour vision improves, and babies begin to develop depth perception. They will be more accurate when reaching for toys and objects.
Nine Months to One Year Old
As crawling and walking skills develop, so does your baby’s visual curiosity. They will be grabbing and exploring everything around them and may start identifying different colours.
When Should Your Baby Have Their First Eye Exam?
Experts recommend that infants have their first eye exam at six months old. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan covers comprehensive eye exams for children 18 years and younger, so there’s no cost to you.
During a pediatric eye exam, our optometrists will check for:
- Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
- Colour vision development
- Eye movement coordination and depth perception
- Early signs of eye health conditions
The exam is quick, taking about 15 minutes, and is designed to be comfortable for babies.
Book Your Baby’s First Eye Exam in Edmonton
Regular eye exams are an essential part of your child’s health and development. If your baby is six months old, now is the perfect time to schedule their first pediatric eye exam in Edmonton.
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., our experienced optometrists ensure even our youngest patients receive the highest level of care.
Book an appointment today at one of our convenient locations and give your child the best start for a lifetime of healthy vision.
