Parents want to set their kids up for future success, and that includes making sure they can see the world clearly! Good vision is key to learning, socializing, and enjoying everyday activities. Since children don’t always realize when they’re having trouble seeing, regular eye exams are essential for catching issues early. If you’re wondering whether your child needs to see a pediatric eye doctor in St. Charles, Overland Optical Family Eye Care is here to help.
Signs your child might need an eye exam
Kids don’t always know when something’s wrong with their vision, so it’s important to watch for signs like:
- Squinting – If your child is constantly squinting, it might mean they have difficulty seeing objects at a distance (nearsightedness) or close up (farsightedness).
- Sitting too close to screens – If they always sit very close to the TV or hold books and tablets just inches from their face, they may be compensating for blurry vision.
- Frequent headaches – Eye strain from uncorrected vision problems can lead to tension headaches, especially after reading or screen time.
- Struggling in school – If your child has trouble paying attention or keeping up with reading or writing, vision problems could be making learning more difficult.
- Rubbing their eyes often – While occasional eye rubbing is normal, excessive rubbing may indicate eye fatigue, allergies, or an underlying vision issue.
- Crossed or misaligned eyes – Strabismus (crossed eyes) or other alignment problems can affect depth perception and may require specialized treatment to prevent long-term issues.
How often should kids see an eye doctor?
Vision problems can develop at any age, so it’s important to follow expert recommendations when scheduling regular eye exams for kids:
- A first eye exam at around 6 months old – This helps ensure your baby’s eyes are developing properly.
- Another check-up at age 3 – This early exam can detect common childhood vision problems like lazy eye or farsightedness.
- An exam before starting school (around age 5 or 6) – Undiagnosed vision issues can make learning more difficult, so checking their eyes before they start school is crucial.
- Yearly exams after that – Since children’s eyes continue to grow and change, annual pediatric eye exams in St. Charles help us catch any new vision concerns early. This is especially important if they already wear glasses or have a family history of vision issues.
Why children need regular eye exams
Healthy vision plays a key role in childhood development. When kids can’t see clearly, they may struggle with schoolwork, sports, and even social interactions. Conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia) or nearsightedness (myopia) can often be managed effectively when caught early. In addition, regular eye exams can detect hidden issues like astigmatism, color blindness, or eye coordination problems that may not be obvious but can impact daily life.
What to expect during a child’s eye exam
At Overland Optical Family Eye Care, our St. Charles pediatric optometrists know that eye exams can seem intimidating for kids, so we strive to make the process as fun and stress-free as possible! Here’s what your child can expect:
- A vision check – Using eye charts and specialized tools, we assess how well they can see objects at different distances.
- Eye coordination tests – These help us determine if their eyes are working together properly and tracking objects smoothly.
- A health screening – We check for any signs of eye conditions like lazy eye, crossed eyes, or early signs of eye diseases.
- A prescription check – If your child needs glasses, we’ll find the right prescription to help them see clearly and comfortably.
Visit our pediatric eye doctors in St. Charles, MO
If your child hasn’t had an eye exam yet—or if you’ve noticed any signs they might need one—don’t hesitate to visit our pediatric optometrists in St. Charles. Our friendly, experienced team specializes in kid-friendly care, ensuring your little one feels comfortable while we check their vision. Book an appointment with our experts today!