You want to ensure your children are off to a good start in life every single way —including their eye health. But when should you consider scheduling a pediatric eye exam for your kid? 

It’s important not to delay eye exams for little ones because some eye problems can impact vision for life. Finding an issue early can keep a minor concern from progressing into something major and possibly more difficult and expensive to treat.

Here, Abasa Optical will give you an idea as to when your child should get their first pediatric eye exam:

When Do Kids Need Eye Exams?

Children must have their eyes checked regularly to ensure they are developing correctly and to catch any potential problems early.

Here is a general guideline for when children should have their eyes examined:

• Infants should have their first eye exam at six months of age
• Children should have another exam at three years of age.
• After that, kids should have their eyes checked every 2-3 years until they reach adulthood.

Of course, these are simply general guidelines, and some children may need to be seen more often by their eye doctor if they have a family history of eye problems or if they are showing signs of vision problems.

If you have any reason to believe that your child may have a problem with their vision, it is vital to have them seen by an eye doctor as soon as possible. Some vision problems can be easily corrected if caught early, but if left untreated, they can result in more complicated issues down the road.

You should also take into consideration your family history. If you or your older kids have vision problems, it’s even more important for your younger children to get their eyes checked. Some vision problems run in the family, so they must get monitored early on.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Early Eye Exams in Children?

Children are not simply mini-adults. Their eyes and vision develop differently and at a much faster pace than those of adults. That’s why it’s essential to take them for regular eye exams starting at a young age.

There are many benefits of getting early eye exams in children. For one, it can help identify any vision problems they may have. It’s estimated that 1 in 20 children have some form of vision problem, so it’s essential to catch any issues early.

Early eye exams can also help identify other health problems. For example, crossed eyes (strabismus) can sometimes indicate neurological problems. And children with lazy eyes (amblyopia) are at risk of developing problems with depth perception later in life.

In addition, early eye exams can help ensure that your child’s eyes are developing correctly. This is especially important if there is a family history of vision problems.

So, if you haven’t already, be sure to take your child for regular eye exams. It’s one of the best things that you can do for their vision and overall health!

Conclusion

Determining when your child should get a pediatric eye exam is not that complex. However, it is important to consult your child’s pediatrician to get their professional opinion. Many factors can contribute to when a child should get their first eye exam, such as family history, developmental milestones, and overall health.

Abasa Optical is an established eye clinic in Clayton Heights that offers pediatric eye exams and other optical services for the entire family. Schedule a consultation with Abasa Optical today!