Good vision is crucial for a child’s learning and development. Many parents wonder when they should schedule their child’s first eye exam. Early detection of vision problems can prevent long-term issues and ensure your child’s eyes are healthy.
Recommended Age for a Child’s First Eye Exam
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Follow-up exams should be done at 3 years old and again before starting school (around 5-6 years old). After that, annual eye check-ups are recommended unless an eye doctor suggests otherwise.
Why Early Eye Exams Are Important
-
Detect Vision Problems Early – Conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), or refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism) can be treated more effectively if caught early.
-
Supports Learning & Development – 80% of learning is visual. Undiagnosed vision problems can lead to difficulties in reading and classroom performance.
-
Ensures Healthy Eye Development – Regular check-ups help track eye health and prevent complications.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
Even if your child is too young to complain about vision problems, watch for these signs:
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close
- Squinting or tilting the head to see better
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Avoiding activities that require focus (reading, coloring)
- One eye turning in or out
What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam
A child’s eye exam is different from an adult’s. The eye doctor will:
- Check for proper eye alignment and movement
- Test visual acuity (clarity of vision)
- Examine eye health using child-friendly tools
- Assess depth perception and color vision
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today!
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—early eye exams are key to ensuring your child’s vision develops correctly.
Dr. Ankita Patil is the best eye doctor for children in Navi Mumbai, specializing in pediatric eye care. With expertise in diagnosing and treating childhood vision problems, she provides compassionate and personalized care for young patients.