How Often Should Kids Get a Pediatric Eye Exam?

How Often Should Kids Get a Pediatric Eye Exam?

As a parent, ensuring your child’s overall health and well-being is a top priority, but one aspect that can sometimes be overlooked is their vision. Regular pediatric eye exams play a crucial role in detecting and addressing vision problems early, which can significantly impact your child’s ability to learn and interact with the world around them. Dr. Brianna Herring, emphasizes the importance of routine eye exams for children and provides insights into how often they should be scheduled.

When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that infants have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age. During this initial exam, Dr. Brianna Herring will assess your child’s visual development to ensure their eyes are working together and responding appropriately to light and objects.

Pre-School Years (Ages 3-5)

Children should have their second eye exam around age 3, just before they begin school. At this stage, Dr. Herring will evaluate for common childhood vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Early detection of these issues is essential for preventing long-term vision problems and supporting optimal learning.

School-Age Children (Ages 6-18)

Once your child reaches school age, yearly eye exams become even more important. School-age children heavily rely on their vision for reading, writing, and classroom activities. According to Dr. Herring, annual exams help ensure that any emerging vision issues, like myopia (nearsightedness), are caught early and managed properly. These exams also assess whether corrective lenses or vision therapy may be necessary to support their educational success.

Signs Your Child Might Need an Eye Exam Sooner

While annual exams are typically sufficient, certain signs could indicate the need for an immediate visit to the optometrist, including:

•          Squinting or tilting their head to see better

•          Complaints of headaches or eye strain

•          Difficulty reading or paying attention in school

•          Sitting too close to the TV or holding books too close

•          Watery or red eyes without an apparent cause

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Crucial

Routine pediatric eye exams are vital for detecting and correcting vision problems that could hinder your child’s development. Vision issues can impact a child’s academic performance, motor skills, and overall confidence. Additionally, some eye conditions, such as amblyopia, are much easier to treat when caught early, making regular exams a key part of preventive healthcare.

Optimizing Your Child’s Vision and Eye Health with Brianna Herring O.D. 

Dr. Brianna Herring, O.D., encourages parents to make pediatric eye exams a regular part of their child’s healthcare routine. With early detection and proper treatment, many childhood vision problems can be effectively managed or even prevented.

If it’s time for your child’s next eye exam, schedule an appointment with Brianna Herring, O.D. A comprehensive eye exam could make all the difference in your child’s ability to thrive academically and socially. Visit our office in Deerfield Beach or Plantation, Florida. Please call (786) 891-2020 or (954) 472-2676 to book a pediatric eye exam today.