When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

Children experience vision problems just like adults. Unfortunately, most of these issues are often not obvious, and the only way to know if their eyes are healthy is by taking them for eye exams. While this solution is ideal, knowing when they should have their first eye exam is always a dilemma for most parents. Read on to learn more.

Why Eye Exams Are Essential for Children

Eye exams for children in their early years are essential. They help confirm that your child does or does not have vision problems that can affect their holistic development. Studies show that 80 percent of what children learn before age 13 happens visually. Thus, proper vision allows your child to learn optimally and excel in their academics while in school.

Portable electronic devices and computers emit blue light that can harm the eyes. Most preschoolers use computers for their learning these days, so forming a routine of taking your child for eye examinations is essential for their visual development. It is also vital to pay close attention to their eyes from the time they are infants.

Some problems, such as strabismus that some kids get born with, can hinder the full visual development that is necessary. Undetected issues like strabismus can cause irreversible visual disability.

Ideally, mention to your medical care provider if you notice your child has misaligned eyes. Let their pediatrician know about your discovery during the regular wellness checkups. They will refer your child to an eye specialist who can help with treatment. Most vision problems cause eyestrain, blurred vision, headaches, and difficulty reading.

Signs That Your Child Has Vision Problems

Children may struggle to communicate their discomforts. However, you may notice symptoms such as:

• Reduced eye contact.
• Excessive blinking or eye rubbing.
• Late motor development.

Conditions That Eye Doctors Examine

Below are the eye conditions eye doctors look for during an eye exam:

• Nearsightedness or myopia - Objects at a distance appear blurry while those close by are clear. If you notice your child squinting or if they struggle to see the chalkboard, book an eye exam.
• Amblyopia or lazy eye - One eye works better than the other. It can cause vision loss if left untreated.
• Ptosis - Drooping eyelids block vision in this case. Talk to a doctor if you notice the eyelids are uneven or one has dropped significantly.
• Strabismus - The eyes point in different directions. Ideally, take your child for an eye exam, even if it occurs once.

When to Take Your Child for Their First Eye Exam

Children should take their first eye examination at six months of their age. The eye exam will not have an extensive scope like that for adults. The specialist will ensure your child has healthy eyes and no issues that can interfere with their visual development. They will do so by performing various tests.

Frequency of Eye Exams for Children

Eye exams should happen later at three years, before the child's first grade or kindergarten at five to six years. After that, they should take regular eye exams every one to two years. Children with diagnosed vision problems should get annual eye examinations.

They should do so, especially those who wear prescribed corrective eyewear such as contact lenses. Your eye doctor can recommend frequent eyes exams if your child has risk factors for eye problems.

For more about eye exams, visit Limestone Eye Care at our office in Lawrence, Kansas. Call (785) 268-6880 to book an appointment today.