Pediatric Eye Exams

Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months, then again at three years old, and before they enter kindergarten. Once a child is in school, he or she should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years if no vision correction is needed. If a child has been prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses, then they should be examined on an annual basis or as recommended by the optometrist.

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The eye exam methods our optometrists use depend on the age of the child. However, in all cases, the comprehensive eye exam for a child will include learning about their history, testing their vision, determining whether eyeglasses are needed, testing the alignment of their eyes, conducting an eye health evaluation, and if needed, prescribing eyeglasses.   

Why are eye exams important for children? 

It’s important for children to have their eyes examined to ensure they are healthy and that they don’t have any vision problems which may interfere with their performance in school. Eye exams for children also assess whether they have the necessary visual skills which are essential for learning:   

  • Excellent vision for near work and for distance.   
  • Comfortable and correct “eye teaming,” which means the eyes work well together and can focus on the same place in space.   
  • Excellent ability to switch the focus from an object up close to an object in the distance.   
  • Accurate eye movement skills, such as the ability to read a line of text.   

    It is important for your child to see an eye doctor regularly for a pediatric eye exam, particularly if you suspect they may be struggling with vision problems. Here are the signs children may exhibit when they have a vision problem.  

    • Frequent blinking, squinting, or irregular eye movements 
    • Frequently turning or tilting their head 
    • Covering or closing one eye to see better 
    • Poor hand-eye coordination 
    • Rubbing their eyes frequently 
    • Frequent headaches 
    • Leaning in too close to see something or read 
    • Learning difficulties  

     

    What is the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam for children?   

    A vision screening provided by a school or pediatrician is not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. Vision screenings do not diagnose eye or vision problems. They are designed to assess whether a child needs further testing.   

    What are some common vision problems in children?   

    • Myopia (also known as “nearsighted,” which means they can see objects well up close, but have problems seeing objects in the distance, like a blackboard).   
    • Hyperopia (also known as “farsighted,” which means they can see objects well in the distance, such as a blackboard, but have problems seeing objects up close).   
    • Astigmatism (a vision condition that causes fuzzy, blurry vision),   
    • Amblyopia (also known as “lazy eye”) is best treated while the child is still young, and their visual system is in development.   
    • Strabismus (otherwise known as “crossed eyes or misalignment of the eyes”).   
    • Focusing problems, poor depth perception, and color blindness.   
    • Eye health problems.   
    • Convergence insufficiency (an inability to maintain eye alignment when looking at objects).   

     

    Comprehensive pediatric eye exams at Omaha Primary EyeCare 

    At Omaha Primary EyeCare, we understand how crucial pediatric eye exams are to meeting children’s vision and eye health needs as they grow, develop, and learn. We are proud participants in the InfantSEE and See to Learn programs.

    To schedule an eye exam for your children, please call (402) 383 – 0780 or schedule online.   

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