How Frequently Should Your Child Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Children rely on their vision to learn, play, and explore the world around them. Clear vision is crucial for reading, writing, sports, and developing essential coordination skills. At City Eye Optometry, we emphasize the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams to ensure your child’s eyes stay healthy as they grow.
 

The Importance of Early Eye Exams

Vision problems can begin at an early age, sometimes before children can even express that something is wrong. Undetected issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or eye alignment problems can interfere with learning and development. Early detection through regular eye exams allows optometrists to identify and treat these conditions before they become more serious.
 

Recommended Eye Exam Schedule for Children

The American Optometric Association (AOA) provides the following guidelines for pediatric eye exams:

• Infants (6-12 months old): Your child should have their first comprehensive eye exam around 6 months of age. Even at this young age, an optometrist can detect developmental concerns, such as lazy eye or eye muscle imbalances.

• Preschoolers (3-5 years old): Before starting school, children should have at least one eye exam to ensure they are visually ready for learning. Conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes) can often be corrected more effectively when caught early.

• School-Age Children (6-18 years old): Once children begin school, eye exams should be scheduled every year. Vision changes can occur quickly as kids grow, and routine exams help ensure they can perform their best academically and socially.
 

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam Sooner

Even with regular exams, some children may show signs that an additional visit is needed. Watch for:

• Squinting or closing one eye to see better

• Frequent eye rubbing or headaches

• Difficulty reading or concentrating

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close

• Complaints of blurry or double vision

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule an eye exam right away.
 

Partner with City Eye Optometry for Your Child’s Vision Care

At City Eye Optometry, our pediatric eye care is designed to make exams comfortable, engaging, and thorough. We use child-friendly techniques and advanced diagnostic tools to assess everything from visual acuity to eye health and coordination. Our goal is to help your child see clearly and confidently both in the classroom and beyond.

Contact City Eye Optometry to schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam and ensure their eyes are healthy and ready to succeed. Visit any of our convenient locations in Bellingham and Brockton in Massachusetts, or Vernon and Middletown in Connecticut. Call (978)-208-2390 to book an appointment.