Many parents ask us when and how often their kids should see an eye doctor. It’s a good question, and the answer may be earlier than you think! From your child’s first eye exam to back-to-school check-ups, pediatric eye care is critical for children of all ages. Pediatric eye exams with a qualified optometrist ensure your child’s eyes are healthy and developing normally. Vision problems can start early in children, and It’s important to prioritize eye care from the very beginning.
Infancy
According to the American Optometric Association, children should have their first eye exam at around six months old. This might seem early, but it’s crucial! During this first visit, their eye doctor will check for common vision issues and assess how well your baby’s eyes work together. This early screening can help detect any abnormalities that might need further attention.
Early childhood
As your child gets older, their vision changes rapidly. By the time they reach three years old, it’s time to schedule another eye exam. At this age, children begin to develop critical visual skills necessary for learning. Their eye doctor will check for issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes), which can significantly affect your child’s ability to see clearly and perform well in school.
School age
Once your child is in school, typically around five or six years old, it’s important for them to see an eye doctor regularly. This is when many children start to experience learning challenges, and vision problems can play a significant role in that. Your child needs clear vision to read, write, and engage in classroom activities. Often, children don’t even realize they have a vision problem and that they are struggling to see clearly. Regular eye exams during their school years will catch these issues and ensure your child is ready to succeed academically.
Signs that an eye exam is needed
Along with scheduling regular eye exams, watch out for signs that your child may need an eye exam sooner. If your child frequently rubs their eyes, squints, avoids activities that require up-close vision (such as reading), has trouble focusing on objects, or complains about headaches, they may have a vision problem that needs attention.
Importance of early intervention
By making regular eye exams part of your child’s routine, you can catch potential issues early on when treatment is most effective. While school vision screenings are helpful, they can sometimes miss important issues. These screenings usually focus on how well your child can see at a distance, but they might not check how their eyes work together or how well they can focus.
More complex vision problems, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes), often don’t show obvious signs, so school screenings might not catch them. Our children’s eye exams at The Eyecare Center of Ken Caryl go beyond a basic vision check, ensuring every aspect of your child’s vision is functioning well. If your child has myopia, we also offer myopia management in Littleton to help slow its progression and lower the risk of other eye conditions in the future.
Schedule your child’s eye exam with us today!
At the Eyecare Center of Ken Caryl, we strive to make your child’s visit as positive and stress-free as possible! We love working with kids and offer pediatric eye exams in Littleton for children ages 10 months and older. For more information or to schedule an exam, please call or text 303-973-6333.