A child’s vision plays a key role in how they learn, grow, and experience the world. From recognizing shapes and letters to playing sports or enjoying a storybook, clear sight supports healthy development. Because of this, many parents wonder how often their child should have an eye exam.
So, how often should a child get an eye exam? The answer depends on a child’s age, stage of development, and whether they’re exhibiting signs of vision issues like myopia. A child should typically have their first eye exam between 6 and 12 months old, another around age 3 to 5, and then once a year when they begin school.
Why Children’s Eye Exams Are Important
Children rely heavily on their vision to interact with their surroundings. If a child has an undetected vision problem, it may affect not only their school performance but also their confidence and enjoyment of activities.
Common childhood vision concerns can include:
- Nearsightedness (difficulty seeing things far away)
- Farsightedness (difficulty focusing on close objects)
- Astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision at all distances)
- Eye coordination issues (such as crossed eyes or lazy eye)
Routine eye exams allow an optometrist to spot these challenges early, when they’re often easier to address. Even if a child appears to see well, some issues may not be obvious without a professional exam.
Eye Exam Recommendations by Age
The frequency of eye exams changes as children grow. Their vision develops rapidly in early childhood, and different milestones require more frequent checkups.
Infants & Toddlers
Babies should have their first eye assessment during their first year of life, typically between 6 and 12 months. This exam helps confirm that the eyes are developing normally and working together as they should.
During toddlerhood, parents may notice signs of possible vision concerns, such as frequent eye rubbing, poor eye contact, or delayed motor skills. Bringing these observations to an optometrist can be helpful in determining whether an earlier follow-up exam is needed.
Preschoolers
Between the ages of 3 and 5, most children should have at least one comprehensive eye exam. This is important because many early vision conditions, like amblyopia (lazy eye), are most responsive to treatment when addressed before age 6.
Preschool eye exams often focus on:
- Depth perception
- Eye alignment
- Visual sharpness
- Early signs of eye disease
School-Aged Children
Once a child begins school, their vision is critical to success in the classroom. Reading, writing, and participating in activities all require clear sight. Most optometrists recommend an eye exam yearly for school-aged children, though children with glasses or a family history of eye problems may need more frequent visits.
Signs a Child May Need an Exam Sooner
Even with routine visits, certain signs may indicate that a child should see an optometrist before their next scheduled exam. Parents and teachers can look for behaviors such as:
- Squinting or tilting the head to see better
- Sitting very close to the television or holding books close to the face
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Difficulty staying focused on reading or schoolwork
- Covering one eye or closing one eye when trying to focus
These behavioral patterns may suggest that a child’s vision has changed, making an earlier exam worthwhile.
The Role of Eye Exams in Academic Success
Vision problems can sometimes be mistaken for learning difficulties or behavioral issues. For example, a child who struggles to see the board may appear inattentive or unmotivated. Similarly, difficulty focusing on text can look like trouble with reading comprehension.
By keeping up with recommended eye exams, parents can help rule out vision as a barrier to learning. In many cases, addressing a child’s vision needs can improve their comfort in the classroom, making reading and studying less frustrating.
Preparing a Child for Their Eye Exam
For younger children, the idea of visiting an eye doctor may feel intimidating. Parents can make the process easier by explaining what will happen in simple terms. For instance, letting kids know that the optometrist may shine a light in their eyes or show them fun pictures can reduce anxiety.
Some practices (like ours!) even create a kid-friendly environment with colorful decorations, playful themes, and staff trained in making children feel at ease. When children feel comfortable, the exam process can be smoother and more accurate.
The Importance of Ongoing Eye Care
Children’s eyes change quickly as they grow. Even if a child has had perfect vision in the past, new challenges can develop as schoolwork becomes more demanding or as their eyes continue to mature. Regular eye exams give families a reliable way to track these changes and address them early.
It’s also worth remembering that vision care doesn’t stop once a child reaches a certain age. Teens may develop nearsightedness or experience eye strain from increased screen time. Continuing with routine exams throughout adolescence helps keep their vision strong into adulthood.
Eye Exams at Vision Care Grayslake
If you’re a family looking for comprehensive eye care in a welcoming environment, come visit us at Vision Care Grayslake. Our practice offers exams tailored for children of all ages, from infants to teens, with a focus on helping kids feel comfortable during their visit. With friendly staff, modern technology, and a family-oriented approach, we aim to support children’s vision needs as they grow.
