When Should I Take My Child for an Eye Exam? A Guide for Parents

Why Is Eye Care Important for Children?

👀 Children’s vision plays a crucial role in their development, learning, and overall well-being. Poor eyesight can affect academic performance, physical coordination, and even emotional health. Early detection of eye problems can help prevent long-term issues and ensure your child’s eyes are healthy as they grow.

Signs That Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

Sometimes, children don’t express discomfort when it comes to vision issues, which is why it’s important to look for specific signs:

• Squinting when watching TV or trying to read

• Frequent rubbing of the eyes or blinking excessively

• Complaints about blurred vision, especially when looking at things in the distance

• Difficulty focusing or concentrating in school or during activities

• Headaches or eye strain, particularly after using screens or reading

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books too near to their face

• Misalignment of the eyes or the appearance of one eye turning in or out

If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate a need for an eye exam.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

1️⃣ First Eye Exam for Infants: Birth to 1 Year

🟡 The first eye exam should take place within the first year. This is part of your baby's well-child visit to the pediatrician. The doctor will look for signs of serious eye problems such as lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus).

For example, if your baby’s eyes seem to wander or don’t move in sync, or if you notice any unusual eye movement or pupil color, it’s essential to have them checked. Early intervention can help avoid long-term vision problems.

A pediatrician's eye checkup may not detect everything, but it can help identify any early warning signs.

2️⃣ Eye Exam for Toddlers: 2 to 3 Years Old

At ages 2 to 3, your child should have a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor (optometrist or pediatric ophthalmologist) who specializes in children's eye health.

The eye doctor will assess:

• Vision clarity

• Eye alignment

• The presence of any visual impairments or conditions that could affect learning or coordination

Even if no problems are apparent, routine eye exams at this age are crucial for spotting potential issues early, including refractive errors (e.g., nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), which can often be corrected.

3️⃣ Regular Eye Exams for School-Age Children: 4 to 5 Years Old

Children should undergo another eye exam before starting school. Most children’s schools will conduct basic vision screenings, but these screenings may not identify all eye conditions.

At this age, an optometrist or pediatric ophthalmologist will check for:

• Visual acuity (sharpness of vision)

• Eye health (including checks for conditions like amblyopia)

• Eye coordination and alignment

• Depth perception and color vision

If your child has difficulty in school with reading or focusing, a comprehensive eye exam can uncover whether myopia (nearsightedness) or another condition is to blame.

4️⃣ Eye Exams During the School Years: 6 to 18 Years Old

As your child progresses through school, it’s important to have an eye exam every 1 to 2 years to monitor any changes in vision. Children may experience vision changes during growth spurts, and regular check-ups ensure they have the right prescription for their eyes.

Signs Your School-Age Child Needs an Eye Exam:

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain

• Difficulty seeing the board or reading assignments

• Squinting when reading or doing homework

• Frequent blinking or rubbing their eyes during class

• Difficulty with hand-eye coordination (i.e., sports or drawing)

Having glasses or contact lenses adjusted as needed will help avoid unnecessary strain and prevent poor academic performance caused by poor vision. Regular eye exams will also help catch conditions like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

What to Expect During a Child’s Eye Exam

The eye exam will include several key tests to assess how well your child can see and how their eyes are functioning:

1. Visual Acuity Test: Your child will be asked to read an eye chart at various distances. This measures sharpness of vision.

2. Eye Movement and Alignment Tests: The doctor will check how well your child’s eyes work together.

3. Refraction Test: This test helps determine if your child needs glasses to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

4. Health Assessment: The doctor will examine the overall health of your child’s eyes, including checking for any diseases or conditions.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s Eye Exam

• Explain the process to your child in an easy-to-understand way. Assure them that the exam is quick and painless.

• Bring previous prescriptions if your child has worn glasses before.

• Make note of any symptoms you’ve noticed, like eye rubbing or difficulty reading, so you can discuss them with the eye doctor.

• If your child has had issues with vision before, prepare questions to help address concerns.

What If Your Child Needs Glasses?

If your child’s eye exam reveals that they need glasses, it’s essential to choose frames that are comfortable, durable, and suit their personal style. Choosing eyewear that fits their needs and lifestyle will ensure they wear them consistently.

🟡 NextPair offers a variety of kids' eyewear options, including myopia control lenses, which are designed for effective slowdown of myopia progression without discomfort.

How Often Should Your Child Have Eye Exams After Age 6?

Once your child reaches age 6 and older, annual eye exams are recommended. Regular visits to the eye doctor ensure that your child’s vision is checked frequently to catch any potential issues early. This is especially important as your child begins school and spends more time reading, using computers, and engaging in other visual tasks.

Final Thoughts: Prioritize Your Child’s Vision for Their Future

Vision is an essential aspect of your child’s development, learning, and overall health. Early and regular eye exams can detect potential issues before they become problems and can help ensure your child’s vision remains clear and healthy as they grow.

👓 A summary of when to schedule eye exams for your child:

• First eye exam: Within the first year of life

• Regular exams: At ages 2–3, before starting school (around 4–5), and annually through their school years

• If your child has any vision difficulties, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.

By staying proactive with eye exams, you can support your child’s academic performance, physical activities, and overall well-being. Early intervention makes all the difference in ensuring your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy vision.

🟡 Featured in this article - Myopia control DIMS lens, Kids frames