Pediatric
Eye Exams

We are passionate about providing comprehensive pediatric eye exams to ensure your child's vision is healthy and developing properly. Early eye care is crucial for your child's overall health and their ability to learn, play, and thrive.

When Should Your Child See an Eye Doctor?

Your child’s vision development is a key part of their overall health. The American Optometric Association recommends the following schedule for pediatric eye exams:

• 6 months old: First eye exam

• 3 years old: Second eye exam

• Pre-kindergarten: Third eye exam

• School-age children: Every two years, unless corrective lenses are needed, in which case annual exams are recommended.

Our pediatric eye exams include a thorough assessment of your child’s vision, eye health, and eye alignment. We will also determine if eyeglasses or other treatments are needed.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important for Children

Good vision is essential to a child’s growth and development. Studies show that 80% of learning is visual, so children with untreated vision problems face challenges in school and daily activities. Regular eye exams can detect issues early and prevent long-term complications.

Key skills checked during a pediatric eye exam include:

• Clear vision for both near and far distances

• Proper eye teaming, meaning both eyes work together

• Focus flexibility, or the ability to shift focus between different distances

• Accurate eye movements for tasks like reading and writing

Common Vision Issues Identified in Pediatric Eye Exams

Pediatric eye exams help identify a range of common visual conditions, including:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Trouble seeing distant objects clearly. Children may struggle to see the board at school or participate in sports.

• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty focusing on nearby objects, causing trouble with reading and extended tasks.

• Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): A condition where one eye is favored by the brain, leading to decreased vision in the weaker eye.

• Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Misalignment of the eyes, leading to double vision and depth perception issues.

• Color Blindness: Difficulty distinguishing between certain colors or shades.

Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem

Children may not always recognize when they have a vision issue, which is why regular eye exams are essential. However, there are some warning signs that indicate a potential problem. Look out for:

• Frequent blinking, squinting, or irregular eye movements

• Tilting or turning their head frequently

• Covering one eye to see better

• Poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills

• Rubbing their eyes often

• Frequent headaches

• Leaning in too close to see or read

• Learning difficulties and problems with handwriting

If your child exhibits any of these behaviors, they should see an eye doctor for a comprehensive pediatric eye exam. However, it’s important to remember that some vision issues can go unnoticed, even without symptoms.

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