Hello,
this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic.
When raising a child, parents naturally pay attention not only to visible growth, such as height and weight, but also to whether their child’s vision is developing properly.
Because vision continues to develop throughout early childhood, it is important to monitor a child’s eye health regularly during infancy and the preschool years.
Today, based on this topic, we would like to explain what parents should consider when looking for an eye clinic in Goyang for infant and toddler eye examinations.
1. Why Can Myopia Develop at an Early Age?
In recent years, children have been exposed to digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers at increasingly younger ages.
When children repeatedly spend long periods looking at screens at close range, they may also spend less time outdoors.
Myopia during childhood can develop not only due to genetic factors but also in association with lifestyle and environmental factors such as prolonged near work and limited outdoor activity.
2. What Is Checked During an Infant and Toddler Vision Exam at an Eye Clinic in Goyang?
An infant and toddler vision examination is performed to evaluate a child’s current visual development and overall eye health.
Depending on the child’s age, the examination may include an assessment for refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
The alignment of both eyes, the presence of strabismus, and binocular visual function may also be evaluated.
When necessary, additional tests may be performed to assess depth perception, ocular alignment, or conditions such as congenital cataracts.
3. Why Are Eye Exams Important During Early Childhood?
① Early Detection of Amblyopia, Strabismus, and Other Pediatric Eye Conditions
Young children may continue to function normally even when the vision in one eye is reduced because they rely more heavily on the other eye.
For this reason, parents may not easily notice a difference in vision during everyday activities.
Common eye conditions that may be identified during childhood include:
Amblyopia
Strabismus
Myopia
Hyperopia
Astigmatism
Congenital cataracts
Amblyopia, in particular, should be identified and managed during the critical period of visual development.
Strabismus can also affect binocular vision and the development of depth perception, making early evaluation important.
② Monitoring Changes in Childhood Myopia
Once myopia develops during the growing years, it may continue to progress as the child grows.
Even if the initial prescription is relatively mild, the degree of myopia may change over time.
For this reason, regular vision checks are recommended to monitor progression.
③ Determining Whether Orthokeratology Lenses Are Appropriate
Orthokeratology, often referred to as overnight vision correction lenses, involves wearing specially designed contact lenses while sleeping.
These lenses temporarily reshape the central cornea so that corrected vision can be maintained for a certain period after the lenses are removed in the morning.
Orthokeratology may also help slow the progression of myopia in growing children.
However, these lenses are not suitable for every child.
The condition of the cornea, the degree of myopia and astigmatism, as well as whether the child can properly wear, remove, and hygienically manage the lenses must all be considered.
Therefore, a comprehensive examination at an eye clinic in Goyang is necessary to determine whether orthokeratology lenses are appropriate.
4. Consider an Eye Examination If Your Child Shows These Behaviors
Consider scheduling an eye examination if your child:
✓ Watches TV or uses a smartphone from an unusually close distance
✓ Frequently squints when looking at distant objects
✓ Repeatedly rubs their eyes without an obvious reason
✓ Tilts their head to one side when looking at objects
✓ Has a family history of high myopia
✓ Was found to have reduced vision during a school health screening
✓ Has shown more rapid progression of myopia than before
These behaviors do not necessarily mean that your child has an eye condition.
However, if they are observed repeatedly, it may be helpful to visit an eye clinic in Goyang for a comprehensive evaluation.
5. Eye Examinations to Consider by Age
✅ Before 3 Months of Age
▸ Pupillary reflex examination
▸ External eye examination
▸ Corneal light reflex test
▸ Screening related to congenital cataracts
✅ From 6 Months to 1 Year of Age
▸ Strabismus and external eye examination
▸ Pupillary reflex examination
▸ Corneal light reflex test
✅ Ages 3 to 5
▸ Visual acuity test
▸ Strabismus and stereopsis evaluation
▸ External eye and pupillary reflex examination
▸ Corneal light reflex test
✅ Age 6 and Older
▸ Visual acuity and refraction tests
▸ Intraocular pressure and fundus examinations when necessary
It is important to monitor a child’s visual development through regular eye examinations appropriate for each stage of growth.
If your child repeatedly watches TV from very close range, frequently squints, or shows other changes in visual behavior, it may be better not to delay an examination.
We recommend visiting an eye clinic in Goyang to evaluate your child’s current eye health and visual development.