Vision plays a major role in how children learn, grow, and interact with the world; yet, many kids don’t realize when their sight is impaired. That’s why timely eye exams are so important, even in early childhood.
Children should have their first eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age, followed by regular checkups throughout their school years.
Since young children often can’t describe vision problems, parents play a key role in spotting signs, such as squinting, eye rubbing, or holding objects too close. Following a consistent exam schedule helps identify issues early, when treatment is most effective, and supports long-term visual development.
Recommended Eye Exam Schedule for Children
The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides guidelines for when children should receive comprehensive eye exams. Following this schedule helps catch vision problems early, when they’re most treatable.
Birth to Age 2
All children should have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age, even if they do not exhibit any symptoms. At-risk infants—such as those born prematurely or with a family history of eye conditions—may need earlier or more frequent exams as recommended by an optometrist.
Ages 3 to 5
Children should receive at least one eye exam between the ages of 3 and 5. This stage is crucial for identifying common conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) and crossed eyes (strabismus), which respond best to early treatment.
Ages 6 to 17
Children should have an eye exam before starting first grade and then annually thereafter. Annual exams help monitor changes in vision, especially the rise in nearsightedness (myopia), and help maintain sharp vision as academic and screen-time demands increase.
Common Vision Problems in Children
Understanding the types of vision problems that can affect children helps parents recognize when their child might need an eye exam. These conditions range from simple refractive errors to more complex developmental issues.
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. Refractive errors are the most common vision problems in children and can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
- Myopia (nearsightedness) causes distant objects to appear blurry, while close objects remain clear. This condition has become increasingly prevalent in children, particularly those who spend a significant amount of time on digital devices or have limited outdoor activity.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness) causes difficulty seeing objects up close, though children’s flexible focusing systems can often compensate for mild hyperopia. However, this compensation can lead to eye strain and headaches.
- Astigmatism results from an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, causing blurred vision at all distances. Children with astigmatism may squint frequently or tilt their heads to see more clearly.
Strabismus & Amblyopia
- Strabismus, commonly referred to as crossed eyes, occurs when the eyes don’t align properly. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward while the other eye focuses straight ahead.
- Amblyopia, or lazy eye, develops when one eye has significantly poorer vision than the other. The brain begins to ignore input from the weaker eye, resulting in further deterioration of vision in that eye.
Other Serious Conditions
While less common, several serious eye conditions can affect children and require immediate attention from a pediatric optometrist.
- Cataracts in children involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can cause significant vision impairment if left untreated. Pediatric cataracts may be present at birth or develop during childhood.
- Retinoblastoma is a rare but serious form of eye cancer that primarily affects young children. Early detection through regular eye exams is vital for successful treatment and preservation of vision.
- Glaucoma in children involves increased pressure within the eye that can damage the optic nerve. Pediatric glaucoma may be present at birth or develop during childhood and requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
Recognizing Vision Problems in Your Child
Parents play an essential role in identifying potential vision problems between scheduled eye exams. Being aware of warning signs can help you determine when your child needs immediate attention from a pediatric optometrist.
The RSVP Rule
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends using the RSVP rule to remember warning signs that require immediate medical attention:
- Redness of the eyes that persists or worsens
- Sensitivity to light that seems excessive
- Vision changes or complaints about seeing clearly
- Pain in or around the eyes
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, contact a pediatric optometrist immediately rather than waiting for the next scheduled appointment.
Common Behavioural Signs
Because children often can’t explain that they’re having trouble seeing, parents and caregivers should watch for some of the following signs:
- Sitting very close to screens or holding books too close
- Squinting or frequently covering one eye to see better
- Rubbing eyes often, especially during or after visual tasks
- Short attention span or trouble focusing during activities that require clear vision
- Avoidance or resistance to reading or detailed visual tasks
- Tilting the head to one side when looking at something
- Closing one eye to focus
- Eyes that appear to cross or wander
This list covers many common signs; however, every child is unique. If you notice anything unusual or have concerns about your child’s vision, it’s always a good idea to check in with your eye doctor.
Taking the Next Step
Regular eye exams are a key part of your child’s health and development. At Bella Vision, we offer comprehensive, child-friendly eye care utilizing the latest technology to ensure accurate and comfortable examinations. Book your child’s eye exam today and support their vision for a lifetime.
