child eye exams

we take our kids ages 7, 5, and 1 for an eye checkup yearly.  do we really need to go every year?  at their well-visits w/their pediatrician (will check their eyes briefly) and the school screeing for vision, would a yearly trip to the eye doctor be necessary?  i worry about retinoblastoma (not sure how common it is) even tho our kids have had good exams so far.  any insight would be appreciated.  thanks.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

The most important thing is if you note a problem get in to see an ophthalmologist right away. If you don't note anything have a check up about the age of 3 to screen for amblyopia. If there is no history of eye disease then every 2-3 years is enough.

The 1 year old should be checked ages 2.5 to 3  

Retinoblastoma is very very rare. And your 5 and 7 are too old to develop it now.

JCH MD

[ny2125]

thanks for the reply!  i appreciate it.  so my 16 month old really doesnt need an eye exam by an eye dr. till about 2.5?  we havent noticed anything in any pictures (cats eye) and his pediatrician has always said all seems well.  we can wait till 2.5?  thanks!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

When I did pediatrics if there was a family history of amblyopia I suggested the first exam at age 2 OR if anything abnormal was noticed like crossed eyes, not seeing well, red reflexes that were not idential, etc.   So if you don't notice anything 2 and a half is fine UNLESS you're going to worrry or you see someting or the pediatrician sees something in which case do it right away.
JCH MD

[ny2125]

thanks again.  i should assume our pediatrician would be able to catch any problems that would warrant a further exam?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I would like to say "yes" but I can't. A screening by a pediatrician nurse is not the same as a Eye MD exam so the exam age 2 1/2 to 3 is, in my opinion, mandatory.

JCH MD

[ny2125]

thanks doc.  i meant for my 16 month old, if the ped. would be able to pick up something bad just on a regular checkup?  by 2.5, i would definitely take my kids in.  thanks again for your time and patience.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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