Children tend to be visual learners. The health of their eyes impacts how they grow, learn, develop, and explore the world around them.
Unfortunately, many eye conditions, such as myopia, develop in childhood, which is why it’s imperative to be proactive about your child’s visual health. The most effective way to keep your child’s eyes in good shape is to schedule regular pediatric eye exams, with their first eye exam between the age of 6–12 months old.
Recommended Eye Exam Frequency for Children
Kid’s eye exams help set your child up for success both in and outside the classroom. If you’re wondering how often you should be scheduling a visit to the eye doctor for your little one, the American Optometric Association recommends:
- First eye exam at 6–12 months of age
- At least one eye exam between the ages of 3–5
- Annual eye exams for children ages 6–17
It’s important to note that if your child is presenting signs of vision problems or they’re at risk of having eyesight irregularities, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent examinations. Signs your child may be experiencing vision issues can include:
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Excessive tearing
- Crossed eyes (strabismus)
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
Providing your pediatric eye doctor with a comprehensive family history can also help determine if earlier or more frequent eye exams are needed. Regular eye exams are a crucial part of early detection and treatment of vision problems.
What to Expect at a Kids Eye Exam
When visiting the eye doctors at Park Slope Eye for a comprehensive children’s eye exam, you can expect to start with a discussion of family history to better understand what risk factors might be present. We will then perform a variety of tests to determine:
- Visual acuity
- Refraction
- Binocular vision
- Overall eye health
If we discover vision correction is needed, your eye doctor will explain the best approach for visual success. From eyeglasses and contact lenses to vision therapy and myopia control, we’re here to help! If you have any questions during the exam process, don’t hesitate to ask our team.
How Regular Eye Exams Help Maintain Children’s Eyesight
With regular eye exams, your optometrist can determine if your child has vision difficulties that may compromise their learning and development. The sooner these problems are identified, the better the chances of maintaining your children’s visual health and quality of life.
Contact us or book an appointment online to schedule a visit for you and your family today. We’re proud to serve Brooklyn and nearby NY areas.
