As a parent you may wonder whether your pre-schooler has a vision problem or when a first eye exam should be scheduled. Eye exams for children are extremely important. Experts say 5-10% of pre-schoolers and 25% of school-aged children have vision problems. Early identification of a child’s vision problem is crucial because, if left untreated, some childhood vision problems can cause permanent vision loss.
When should kids have their eyes examined?
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have the first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Children then should receive additional eye exams at 3-4 years of age, and just before they enter kindergarten at about age 5 or 6. For school-aged children, the AOA recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually or according to their eye doctor’s recommendations.
Your pediatrician will likely be the first medical professional to examine your child’s eyes. If eye problems are suspected during routine physical examinations, a referral might be made to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for further evaluation. Eye doctors have specific equipment and training to help them detect and diagnose potential vision problems.
When scheduling an eye exam, choose a time when your child is usually alert and happy. Specifics of how eye exams are conducted depend on your child’s age, but an exam generally will involve using eye drops that dilate the eyes and relax focusing so that the proper prescription can be determined and eye health problems discovered.
What do eye doctors recommend regarding screen time for children?
The current guidelines for screen time for children are based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations. From birth to the age of two, children should not look at digital devices. From the ages of 2 to 5, children should be limited to no more than 1 hour per day. Just as importantly, children should get at least 3 hours of physical activity per day, especially outdoors.
Contact us today to make your child's appointment: 928-239-9901.
American Optometric Association
When should kids have their eyes examined?
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have the first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Children then should receive additional eye exams at 3-4 years of age, and just before they enter kindergarten at about age 5 or 6. For school-aged children, the AOA recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually or according to their eye doctor’s recommendations.
Your pediatrician will likely be the first medical professional to examine your child’s eyes. If eye problems are suspected during routine physical examinations, a referral might be made to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for further evaluation. Eye doctors have specific equipment and training to help them detect and diagnose potential vision problems.
When scheduling an eye exam, choose a time when your child is usually alert and happy. Specifics of how eye exams are conducted depend on your child’s age, but an exam generally will involve using eye drops that dilate the eyes and relax focusing so that the proper prescription can be determined and eye health problems discovered.
What do eye doctors recommend regarding screen time for children?
The current guidelines for screen time for children are based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations. From birth to the age of two, children should not look at digital devices. From the ages of 2 to 5, children should be limited to no more than 1 hour per day. Just as importantly, children should get at least 3 hours of physical activity per day, especially outdoors.
Contact us today to make your child's appointment: 928-239-9901.
American Optometric Association
