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Understanding Pediatric Eye Exams: What Parents Should Know
As a parent, you’re likely familiar with scheduling routine medical checkups—but you might not be as sure about when or why to book an eye exam for your child. Many parents wonder if early vision screenings are really necessary. The short answer? Absolutely.
Even in infancy, it’s important to monitor your child’s visual development. Some vision issues can go unnoticed without a proper exam, potentially affecting learning, development, and social interaction. Below, we’ll explain when pediatric eye exams should happen and what you and your child can expect during a visit to EyeCare Associates.
How Pediatric Eye Exams Differ from Vision Screenings
Many children receive basic vision screenings during well-child visits or at school, but these quick tests aren’t the same as a comprehensive eye exams. Screenings can flag potential concerns, but they don’t dive deep enough to detect all issues that may affect a child’s vision or eye health. According to pediatric experts, including The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends getting your child’s vision checked:
At birth and again between six and 12 months of age
Between the ages of three and five
When first entering school and then every year or two
Even with good screening results, a comprehensive pediatric eye exam is still important. Studies show that up to 60% of children with vision problems go undiagnosed through screenings alone. If your child squints frequently, struggles to concentrate, or has a family history of eye conditions, don’t wait. The American Optometric Association suggests scheduling their first full eye exam between the ages of three and five—even if no symptoms are present.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam
A pediatric eye exam is tailored to your child’s age and stage of visual development. Whether you’re bringing in an infant or a teenager, the goal remains the same: to monitor healthy eye growth, detect issues early, and support clear, comfortable vision.
Eye Examination for Infants
Eye exams for infants are gentle and observational in nature. Your optometrist will use lights, toys, and movement to engage your baby and assess visual milestones. At this early age, the doctor will check for:
Proper eye movement
Signs of developing nearsightedness (trouble seeing well at distance) or farsightedness (trouble seeing well at close range)
Signs of the cornea (the clear dome at the front of the eye) developing an irregular shape
Ability to focus at different distances
Problems at the back of the eye by testing your child's red reflex. This reflex occurs when light passes through the pupil and is reflected off the back of the eye; it's what causes "red eyes" in pictures taken with a flash.
Eye Examination for Young Children (Ages 3-5)
At this stage, young children are usually able to participate more actively in the exam. Since many preschoolers can’t read yet, your optometrist may use a tumbling E chart, where your child will point in the direction the E faces. Alternatively, symbol charts with familiar shapes like houses or apples may be used. In addition to visual acuity, the exam may include:
Color vision
Depth perception
Crossed eyes
A lazy eye. This can be successfully treated, especially when caught early.
Eye Examination for School-Aged Children (Ages 6-12)
Children in this age range typically complete standard vision testing with letters or numbers. Your child will read from a distance chart and may also complete a near-vision task to evaluate reading clarity. If your child already wears glasses, this exam helps determine if their prescription needs to be updated.
The doctor will also assess your child’s eye alignment and coordination, ensuring both eyes are focusing together and tracking smoothly across a page. This includes an evaluation of the health of their eye’s internal and external structures. To do this, your child may be asked to follow a light or look in certain directions while the doctor observes the pupils, eye movements, and overall eye wellness.
Eye Examination for Teens (Ages 13-17)
During adolescence, rapid growth and increased screen time can impact vision. Teens may experience shifts in prescription or report symptoms like eye fatigue or blurry vision. In this exam, the doctor will perform a full vision check and may ask about habits like screen use, study routines, and digital eye strain. If your teen is interested in contact lenses, the optometrist will measure eye shape, tear film quality, and overall eye health to determine the best lens type. They will discuss single-use vs. monthly lenses, proper hygiene, and any potential risks or lifestyle considerations.
The doctor will also evaluate the retina and optic nerve, particularly if there’s a family history of eye disease or any unusual symptoms. Regular exams help teens maintain clear, healthy vision during this busy, demanding stage of life.
What You'll Learn from a Pediatric Eye Exam
A thorough eye exam for your child does more than check for blurry vision—it creates a foundation for long-term visual wellness. Here’s what parents can expect to take away from the experience:
Understanding Your Child's Vision
A pediatric exam provides a detailed picture of how well your child sees. Your optometrist will determine whether their vision is on track or if they’re experiencing issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. If corrective lenses are needed, your child’s doctor will help you choose the most appropriate solution based on age, activity level, and personal comfort.
Early Detection of Eye Conditions
Regular exams help catch vision issues before they start to interfere with learning or development. Conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) or eye misalignment (strabismus) are easier to treat when detected early. Identifying these concerns in their earliest stages often results in more effective outcomes and can prevent long-term vision problems.
Insight into Visual Skills
Beyond checking clarity, the exam includes tests for important functional skills like eye teaming (how well both eyes work together), tracking (following moving objects), and depth perception. These abilities are essential for classroom success, reading fluency, hand-eye coordination, and sports. If any challenges are found, your optometrist may recommend exercises or vision therapy to improve these skills.
Helpful Guidance and Next Steps
Every pediatric eye exam is a chance to learn more about supporting your child’s eye health. You’ll receive personalized tips on screen use, proper lighting for reading, and the importance of wearing protective eyewear during certain activities. Your optometrist will work with you to create healthy habits that support your child’s vision inside and outside the exam room.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Care
Because children’s eyes grow and change as they do, routine exams are key to tracking progress and adapting to new needs. Your child’s optometrist will establish a baseline and recommend how often to return for follow-ups. These visits help ensure any changes are caught early and managed with the right tools or treatments to support strong vision at every stage.
Why Pediatric Eye Exams Are Essential
Pediatric eye exams are important for evaluating whether your child needs glasses or if they have any eye health issues that need addressing. If the eye doctor thinks additional visits are needed, they will let you know and explain any next steps. In many cases, however, you'll simply schedule the next eye examination check-up. Hopefully, this will put your child on good footing for a lifetime of productive eye visits and good eye health.
Schedule a Kid's Eye Exam
EyeCare Associates is staffed with doctors ready to support your child’s vision with a comprehensive kid’s eye exam. We even have specialists in vision therapy in a few locations! Find a location near you and schedule an appointment today.