As a parent, you probably keep a close watch on your child’s diet, sleep schedule, and academic performance. But here is the question— when was the last time you thought about their vision? If the answer is somewhere between “I’m not sure” and “Well, they haven’t complained,” you’re not alone. Many parents assume their child’s eyes are fine because they don’t see any obvious signs of trouble. However, some things go unnoticed. Eyes are constantly changing and developing, and it’s important to make sure that your child’s eyes are healthy and able to see clearly. In this blog, you will learn why eye examinations are crucial for a child’s development, when to get them, and what to expect during an eye health exam. So buckle up, and let’s get a clear view!

Why Do Eye Exams Matter For Kids?

Children, much like chameleons, adapt to their surroundings without even realizing something might be wrong. They might be squinting at the blackboard or holding books too close to their face, yet not saying a word. A comprehensive eye examination can help detect vision issues before they start interfering with your child’s life, both academically and socially.

Good vision is not just about seeing clearly. It is about the development of hand-eye coordination, concentration, and even reading skills. Uncorrected vision problems can lead to a child struggling in school, affecting self-esteem and impacting their social life. Preventative care, in the form of regular eye exams, keeps these issues at bay. Think of it as an investment in their future, like braces but less painful!

When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to wait until your child starts reading to schedule their first eye exam. The American Optometric Association recommends that infants have their first eye exam at 6 months. Yes, 6 months! It sounds early, but even at that stage, an eye health exam can detect serious issues like congenital cataracts, strabismus (crossed eyes), and amblyopia (lazy eye).

The next recommended eye exam should happen at around age 3, when kids are beginning to develop coordination and are better at following instructions. After that, a thorough eye examination is suggested before they start school at age 5 or 6 and then every two years after that unless, of course, you or their teacher notice signs of vision issues.

Signs Your Child May Need An Eye Exam (Sooner Than You Think)

While a regular eye health exam is essential, some red flags could indicate that it is time for an earlier visit. Here are some sneaky signs you need to keep an eye on:

• Squinting or Closing One Eye: If your child is narrowing their eyes or closing one eye when trying to focus, it could be a sign of a refractive error, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. 

• Frequent Headaches: If your child complains of headaches after reading or watching TV, they might be straining their eyes, a common symptom of vision problems.

• Sitting Too Close To Screens: Kids and screens go together like peanut butter and jelly. However, if your child insists on sitting way too close to the TV or holds a tablet right in front of their nose, it is time to get their eyes checked. 

• Trouble Following Objects: If your child has difficulty tracking a moving object, like a ball or even your hand, this could indicate issues with eye alignment or focus. 

• Avoiding Reading or Other Close-Up Activities: Sometimes kids don’t hate books. They just can’t see the words properly. If your child consistently avoids activities like reading or doing puzzles, it might be time for an eye exam. 

What Happens During A Child’s Eye Exam?

Now, let us get the answer to the all-important question: What actually happens during an eye exam for children? Spoiler alert: It’s painless!

History and Discussion

Your eye specialist will first chat with you about your child’s overall health, any family history of eye problems, and whether you have noticed any symptoms. It is your chance to share anything peculiar, like how your kid holds a book close to their face or complains about seeing the whiteboard in school.

Vision Acuity Test

Remember those eye charts from your own school days? Your child will likely go through something similar. They will be asked to identify letters or shapes from a distance, testing how clearly they can see.

Eye Alignment

The eye specialist will check how well your child’s eyes work together. It’s like a team-building exercise but for their eyeballs.

Eye Health Check

This eye examination involves using specialised tools to examine the health of your child’s eyes, both inside and out. The eye doctor will shine a light to see how the pupils respond and may use drops to dilate the pupils to examine the retina. This part can feel strange for kids but is crucial for detecting underlying conditions.

Binocular Vision and Focus Test

This checks how well your child’s eyes focus on objects and how they move in sync. If one eye is slacking off, the specialist will catch it.

Keeping Up With The Eye Exams

An eye health exam is not a done-and-dusted deal. As your child grows, their vision can change. Staying on top of regular check-ups ensures that any vision problems are caught early and corrected quickly. In the end, an eye examination is more than just ensuring your child can see—it’s about giving them the tools to succeed in all areas of their life. If you’re a parent reading this, there’s no better time than now to prioritize your child’s eye health.