As a parent, you want your child to be healthy and happy. Good vision is vital for learning, playing, and growing. That is why you must often bring your little one to an eye doctor. 

But when is the right time for your child’s first eye exam? How frequently should they get their eyes checked? What are the clues of vision issues in children? Here are some tips to help you look after your child’s eyes.

The First Eye Exam

The American Optometric Association (AOA) advises that children get their first eye exam at six months old. This exam is crucial to check the health and growth of your child’s eyes. It can also spot eye problems or diseases that may harm your child’s vision. 

A pediatrician or a family doctor usually does the first eye exam. They will use special tools and tests to check your child’s eyes. They will look for things like: 

• Eye alignment: how well your child’s eyes cooperate

• Eye movement: how well your child’s eyes track objects

• Eye focus: how well your child’s eyes adapt to different distances

• Eye health: how healthy your child’s eyes are

If the doctor observes any issues, they will send your child to an optometrist for more assessment and treatment.

The Next Eye Exams

The AOA suggests eye exams at three years old, before starting school, and every year after that. These exams are vital to watch your child’s vision and eye health. They can also help stop or fix vision issues that may hurt your child’s learning and growth. 

An optometrist usually performs the eye exams. They will use different tools and tests to check your child’s eyes. They will examine vision, focus, teamwork, color perception, and the health of your child’s eyes. If the optometrist recognizes any issues, he or she will prescribe your child glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments.

The Signs of Vision Problems

Your child may need to see an eye doctor sooner than the recommended schedule. This is because some vision problems may only be noticeable once they become severe. That is why you need to watch out for signs of vision problems in your child.

Some common signs of vision problems in children are:

• Squinting, rubbing, or closing one eye

• Tilting or turning the head to see better

• Holding objects too close or too far from the eyes

• Avoiding reading or other close-up activities

• Complaining of headaches, eyestrain, or blurred vision

• Having trouble seeing the board or the TV

• Having difficulty with schoolwork or sports

• Showing signs of poor attention or behavior

If you notice these signs in your child, immediately take them to an eye doctor. Your child's vision and welfare can significantly benefit from early detection and treatment.

Conclusion

Ensure the health of your child’s vision by taking them to see an eye doctor regularly. By doing so, they will have good vision and eye health for life.

For more on pediatric eye care, visit Cincinnati Vision Group at our Cincinnati, Liberty Township, West Chester, or Dayton, Ohio, offices. Call (513) 793-5970, (513) 712-5065, (513) 753-4981, (937) 579-0393, or (937) 435-4293 to schedule an appointment today.