Parents know that keeping up with their child’s health is a top priority, but what about their vision? Good vision is essential for your child’s development, learning, and overall well-being. So, how often should children have their eyes checked? At Newport Eye Care in Waterville, Maine, we recommend regular eye exams to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy and their vision is developing properly.
The recommended schedule for eye exams
The American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months old. Even at such a young age, an eye exam can detect early signs of eye conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye). After the first exam, your child should have their eyes checked again at three years old, and once more just before starting school, around age five or six.
Once your child begins school, they should continue to have an eye exam every year, especially if they need to wear glasses. Their vision can change quickly during these years, and regular exams can ensure they’re seeing clearly and catch any early signs of vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness).
School vision screenings vs. comprehensive eye exams
You may be wondering if a school vision screening is enough. While school screenings are helpful, they’re not as thorough as a comprehensive eye exam. A screening might catch obvious vision issues, but it can miss more subtle problems like focusing issues or eye coordination problems that can affect your child’s ability to learn. At Newport Eye Care, we offer pediatric eye exams in Waterville that evaluate every aspect of your child’s vision, ensuring no potential issue goes unnoticed.
Signs your child may need an eye exam sooner
In addition to regular eye exams, it’s important to watch for any signs that your child may be struggling with their vision. Some warning signs include:
- Frequent squinting or head tilting
- Rubbing their eyes often
- Complaints of headaches or eye strain
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close to their face
- Difficulty reading or paying attention in school
At Newport Eye Care, we’re dedicated to providing the best eye care for children in Waterville. Regular eye exams not only help identify any vision problems but also promote lifelong eye health. Whether your child needs their first eye exam, a check-up before school, or vision correction like glasses or contact lenses, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
