I need some advice on when my boys should have their first eye exam. I have been told by my pediatrician that it isn't necessary at this point (they are now 18 months old). However, my sister took one of her children to get her eyes checked today and the doctor told her that all children should have an eye exam at 1 year of age. I know there is an increased concern regarding eyesight with preemies, so I am confused. Any suggestions?

Mom of BBB born 7/1/02 at 33 weeks

A pediatric eye doctor specializes in this area. My trio born at 32
weeks were first seen at 8 weeks old and again at 18 months. They can tell some things by looking into thier eyes. Also, there are things premature babies are more opt to have, like tear ducts that fail to open and other things I wold have never thought about.

Christina
Mommy to Michael, Nicholas, Matthew, Carly, & Kady.

Christina
Mommy to Michael, Nicholas, Matthew, Carly, & Kady.

If the NICU doctors didn't refer you when your boys were discharged, there should be no reason to go. I have never heard that all children should go by the age of one. How early were your boys born. The earlier, the more concern. My boys were born at almost 34 weeks, and their NICU doc. referred them just to be safe, although their gestation was good. They checked out great........the optomologist said their eyes seemed as though they were full term! Hop that helps!



Karen - mother to spontaneous triplet boys:
Ethan,Dylan,& Parker
3/24/03
33weeks, 4 days

Karen - blessed wife to Paul,
Proud mom to spontaneous boys
3/24/03
God is soooo good!

our ophthalmologist's office believes that all children (preemie or not) should have an appointment before the age of three to check for strabismus and amblyopia (lazy eye), as it is much easier to correct and less damaging to the eyes if caught early. as for preemies, if they were earlier than 34 weeks and/or required ventilation, they should be seen at around six months, one year, and again at 18 months, and more if there are any problems. Oh, and if they were ventilated, then they will be/should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist in the hospital at least before discharge, if not sooner depending on the gestational age at delivery and the length of ventilation.

Michelle

Mom to three beautiful girls and a precious baby boy!

http://www.shaklee.net/healthyhomematters

We were told the same thing as psalm127_3 was. All 3 of my trio have a slight astigmatism (sp?) but can see fine. It has to do with the sahpe of their eyes and is heredity (both dh & I have it). If insurance is gonna cover it-why not?

Tiffani & Ray(NJ)