As a parent, you want to ensure your child’s health is taken care of in every way, including their vision. Eye health plays a critical role in your child’s development, school performance, and overall quality of life. One key step in maintaining good vision is knowing when to schedule your child’s first eye exam.

In this blog post, we’ll explore when and why your child should have their first eye exam, what to expect during the visit, and how regular eye checkups can help safeguard their vision for the future.
 

Why Early Eye Exams Are Important

It’s easy to assume that vision problems are only an issue as your child grows older. However, eye problems can develop at any age and might not always be noticeable to parents or caregivers. Early detection of potential vision issues, like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), or refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism), can prevent more serious problems from developing.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

Annual eye exams are essential for your child’s vision and overall development, starting from birth. A newborn’s first eye screening helps detect any congenital issues, and from that point forward, yearly checkups ensure their vision stays on track. As children grow, their eyesight can change rapidly, and undetected vision problems can impact learning, development, and even social interactions. Regular exams allow eye doctors to catch and treat issues early, preventing long-term complications. Whether it’s before starting school or keeping up with daily activities, clear vision is vital for success.

What Happens During a Child’s Eye Exam?

The process of a child’s eye exam is typically simple and painless. Here’s what to expect:

1. Vision Testing – Depending on your child’s age, the eye doctor will use tools to test their ability to see clearly at different distances. For older children, they may perform a visual acuity test (like the familiar "eye chart" test).
    
2. Eye Health Check – The doctor will check for signs of common eye conditions, such as amblyopia or strabismus, that may affect how the eyes work together.
    
3. Refraction Assessment – If necessary, the doctor may perform a refraction test to determine if your child needs glasses.
    
4. Eye Coordination – The doctor will test the eyes for coordination, tracking, and the ability to focus on objects at different distances.
    

For younger children, exams are often done through games or pictures rather than traditional charts. The goal is to make the visit as comfortable and engaging as possible for your child.

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

While it’s important to stay on schedule with regular eye exams, keep an eye out for signs that your child may need to see an eye doctor sooner. Some common symptoms to watch for include:

●      Squinting or covering one eye
 

●      Frequent eye rubbing
 

●      Complaints of headaches or eye pain
 

●      Difficulty reading the board or seeing distant objects clearly
 

●      Sensitivity to light
 

●      Trouble with hand-eye coordination, like difficulty catching a ball

If your child is displaying any of these behaviors, it may indicate a vision problem, and an eye exam should be scheduled as soon as possible.

Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors of Optometry Are Here For Your Family

Don’t wait for signs of trouble before scheduling your child’s eye exam. Early eye exams, starting as early as 6 months old, can make all the difference in detecting and correcting vision issues before they affect your child’s development. By staying proactive about eye health, you can help your child grow up with clear, healthy vision—setting them up for a successful future both in school and beyond.

To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, visit our website, text GLASSES to 21000, give us a call at (702) 452-2020 and a member of our friendly team will be in touch!