As a busy mom or dad, you’re constantly juggling a million things at once. But one thing you definitely shouldn’t forget to do is schedule an eye exam for your child. So, when should kids have their first eye exam? In this blog, we explore this important topic and explain why regular eye exams are crucial for your little one’s overall health and well-being.
When to schedule your child’s first eye exam
Did you know that children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at around six months old? Yes, you read that right—as early as six months! Even though your child can’t read an eye chart yet, pediatric eye doctors can assess their vision and overall eye health through specialized tests. Early detection of any vision problems can prevent more serious issues down the road.
As your child grows older, regular eye exams become even more important. The American Optometric Association recommends that kids have another comprehensive eye exam at age three and then again before starting school at around age five or six. This is because many vision problems can develop during these crucial developmental stages. By catching and treating these issues early on, you can help set your child up for success in school and beyond.
School-age children
Even if your child’s eye doctor doesn’t detect vision issues during their early exams, it’s still important to continue with regular eye check-ups every 1-2 years throughout their school years. Children’s eyes are constantly developing and changing, so it’s crucial to monitor their vision regularly to ensure they have optimal eyesight for learning and daily activities.
If your child hasn’t had an eye exam yet or if they’re experiencing any symptoms like squinting, rubbing their eyes frequently, or holding objects close to their face to see better, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an optometrist. These could be signs of underlying vision problems that should be addressed promptly.
Remember that prevention is key to maintaining good eye health, so don’t wait until there’s a problem to schedule that first appointment for your child. At Advanced Vision Care and Cedar Hill Eye Care, we offer pediatric eye exams in Mansfield, Fort Worth, DeSoto, and Cedar Hill for children of all ages. Schedule an appointment with us today and let’s work together to ensure their vision is clear and their eyes are healthy from the start!