Pediatric Eye Exam

The Importance of Pediatric Eye Exams

Children’s eyes change rapidly as they grow, sometimes significantly within just a year. Good vision is essential for learning, as success in school is closely tied to eye health. Reading, writing, using computers, and viewing whiteboards or smartboards all require strong visual skills. Even sports and physical activities depend on good eyesight. If a child’s vision isn’t functioning properly, they may struggle to concentrate, feel fatigued, have difficulty in school, or be unable to fully participate in their favorite activities—impacting their overall quality of life.

When Should a Child Have an Eye Exam?

Research suggests that children should have their first eye screening between 6 and 12 months of age. Routine vision and eye health checkups should follow throughout childhood to detect any abnormalities as their eyes develop. Unless otherwise recommended, comprehensive eye exams should be conducted every year until age 18.

Eye Exams by Age

Infants (Newborn – 12 Months)
At birth, an optometrist should perform a red reflex test, a basic indicator of normal eye development. If a baby is born prematurely, has a high risk for medical issues, shows signs of abnormalities, or has a family history of childhood vision disorders, a comprehensive eye exam is essential.

Between 6 months and 1 year, babies should have another exam to check:

• Pupil responses – Ensuring pupils open and close properly in response to light.
  
  

• Fixate and follow test – Determining if the baby can focus on an object and track its movement.
  
  

• Preferential looking test – Using patterned cards to assess early visual capabilities. By 3 months old, babies should be able to follow objects well.

Preschoolers (Ages 3 – 3½)
Around age 3, children should have an exam to assess visual acuity and eye alignment. Early detection of conditions such as strabismus (misaligned eyes), amblyopia (“lazy eye”), astigmatism, myopia (nearsightedness), or hyperopia (farsightedness) allows for timely treatment, improving long-term vision and eye health.

School-Age Children (5+ Years)
Upon entering school, children should have their vision screened for clarity and alignment. Nearsightedness (myopia) is the most common refractive error at this stage and can typically be corrected with eyeglasses.

Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem

While some vision issues are easy to notice—such as squinting or holding books very close —other signs are more subtle. Parents should watch for:

• Short attention span during visual tasks.
  
  

• Frequent loss of interest in reading, drawing, or activities that require focus.
  
  

• Skipping words or lines when reading.
  
  

• Avoiding activities that require near vision, like puzzles or coloring.
  
  

• Turning their head to one side or closing an eye when looking at objects.

The Importance of Early Detection

Regular pediatric eye exams are crucial because children often don’t recognize or report vision problems. The earlier an issue is detected and treated, the better their long-term outcomes—in school and beyond. Schedule your child’s eye exam today to set them up for success!