Why Are Children’s Eye Exams Important
Eye exams are not only important for your child, but they’re also important for patients of all ages! However, when your child is young, it can be especially hard to tell if they are experiencing problems with their eye health or vision. Your child might not be able to communicate their problem effectively, or they may not even realize something is wrong.
That’s why it’s critical for parents to advocate for their children and ensure they get the care they need. To help you set your child up for success, please follow the AOA children’s eye exam schedule.
You should bring your child in for their first eye exam when they are between 6 months and 1 year old. Eye exams at this age allow your optometrist to look for developing issues that could have serious consequences for your child’s vision or eye health.
You should book your child’s next eye exam between the ages of 3 and 5. This serves a very similar purpose as their first eye exam, but their eyes have now developed enough that they can respond to different tests. During this time, children are also more likely to develop visual conditions that can impact their development, including strabismus, amblyopia, and a variety of refractive errors, including myopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
Your child should have their eyes examined one last time before they begin school, and annually after that. Myopia is the most common refractive error this age group develops, and without preventative measures, it can lead to high prescriptions later in life. Your optometrist can easily detect these eye conditions. Early detection is key to preventive care and management.
