When Should Your Child See an Optometrist? Key Milestones for Eye Health

As parents, ensuring your child’s vision is developing properly is just as important as monitoring their growth and overall health. Clear vision plays a vital role in learning, social interaction, and daily activities. Understanding the key milestones in pediatric eye health can help you stay ahead of potential problems and set your child up for long-term success.

The First Eye Exam: Infancy (6-12 Months)

Even infants can benefit from an eye exam. During this stage, an optometrist checks for early signs of issues such as lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), or congenital cataracts. Detecting these conditions early gives children the best chance of proper treatment before vision development is disrupted.

Preschool Years: Ages 3-5

Between ages three and five, children begin developing hand-eye coordination and visual-motor skills that are essential for school readiness. At this stage, your optometrist will test for focusing problems, depth perception issues, and refractive errors (like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism). Addressing these concerns before kindergarten can prevent learning difficulties and boost confidence.

School Age: Ages 6-18

Once children start school, annual eye exams are recommended. Many vision problems first appear when children are tasked with reading from a board, using digital devices, or focusing on small print for long periods. Common issues identified during these years include:

• Myopia (nearsightedness): A condition that has become increasingly common in children due to prolonged screen use.

• Hyperopia (farsightedness): May make reading and near tasks more challenging.

• Astigmatism: Can cause blurred or distorted vision.

• Binocular vision issues: Problems with how the eyes work together, which may lead to headaches or double vision.

Regular exams also help monitor progression of conditions and allow for timely interventions such as corrective lenses, myopia management, or vision therapy.

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam Sooner

While milestone exams are important, certain symptoms may require an immediate appointment:

• Frequent eye rubbing or squinting

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain

• Covering one eye to see better

• Holding books or devices very close

• Trouble concentrating or avoiding near tasks like reading

If you notice any of these signs, scheduling an eye exam right away is crucial.

Ensure Healthy Vision for Every Milestone at Roggy Eye Clinic

Your child’s vision impacts nearly every aspect of their development and learning. By scheduling eye exams at key milestones, you can help detect and treat eye conditions before they interfere with growth and success.

Don’t wait until vision problems affect your child’s learning or confidence. Schedule your child’s next eye exam with Roggy Eye Clinic and give them the clear vision they need to thrive. Visit our office in Coralville, Iowa, or call (319) 569-1936 today.