Parents try to do everything they can to ensure their children grow up healthy and happy. One key part of that is making sure their vision is developing properly. Kids rely on their eyesight for so much, from learning to read to playing their favorite sports. But how do you know if their vision is developing on track? And how often should you schedule an eye exam for your child?
Many parents aren’t sure when or how frequently their child should have an eye exam, so it’s important to understand the best practices for children’s eye health. This helps ensure your little ones stay on the right track from their first steps all the way through their school years and beyond. In this blog, we discuss how often kids need eye exams and why it’s important for their overall well-being.
When to start eye exams for kids
The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first eye exam at six months old. Yes, even babies need their vision checked! Early eye exams can detect potential issues like crossed eyes or farsightedness before they impact your child’s development.
The next exam: three
The next milestone for a comprehensive eye exam is around age three. At this age, we can evaluate your child’s depth perception, color vision, and ability to focus. It’s also a good time to catch any early signs of conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye misalignment).
Before school starts
An eye exam before starting school is crucial, usually between the ages of five and six. Children rely heavily on their vision for learning, and even slight vision problems can affect their ability to read and participate in class. If your child needs glasses, catching vision problems early makes a big difference in their academic success.
School years
Once your child is in school, they should see an eye doctor every two years if they don’t need corrective lenses. Annual eye exams are recommended for children who need glasses or contact lenses. Children’s eyes change rapidly, and issues like nearsightedness (myopia) often begin in school-age years. Regular eye exams help keep their prescription up to date and ensure that their eyes stay healthy as they grow.
Signs your child may need an eye exam sooner
Even if it’s not time for their exam, there are signs to watch for that may indicate your child needs an eye exam. These include:
- Squinting or tilting their head to see better
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books too close
- Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
- Struggling in school or avoiding reading
- Rubbing their eyes frequently
At Overland Optical Family Eye Care, we love helping children see the world clearly! We offer pediatric eye exams in St. Louis and St. Charles for kids of all ages. Are you ready to book your child’s next eye exam? Contact our office in Overland, MO (314-423-3874) or St. Charles, MO (636-949-2900) to schedule an appointment today.