When Should My Child Have an Eye Exam?
Bringing your child in for an eye exam at regular intervals helps us monitor their growth and pinpoint any early signs of eye disease. Additionally, if your child has a refractive error such as myopia or hyperopia, we can get them a fun pair of glasses or recommend another treatment.
If your child has a vision problem or exhibits any risk factors, such as developmental delays or premature birth, we may recommend bringing them for more frequent exams.
Infants
Between 6-9 months of age, you should have their eyes assessed by your optometrist. They will be able to see if their eyes have developed normally and are functioning properly. They will also perform a red reflex test, which can pinpoint signs of congenital eye disease.
Preschool
In their first few years of life, your child’s eyes will develop rapidly. Be sure to have their eyes examined at least once between the ages of 2 and 5 to ensure they are developing normally.
At this stage in life, fostering healthy habits to improve their visual skills is also essential. Introduce activities like building blocks and books to help them develop their visual skills and prepare them to use their vision practically.
School-Age
As your child enters school, they will need to use their eyes frequently to learn and play. If they experience difficulty processing things visually, it can lead to a lack of focus and cause struggles completing schoolwork.
Once your child is enrolled in school, have their eyes examined at least once a year to monitor changes that could impair their ability to succeed in school.
