When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?

Your child’s vision is crucial to their overall development and learning. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can significantly impact their academic performance and quality of life. One of the best ways to ensure optimal eye health for your child is by scheduling regular, annual eye exams. 

Not only is it important to have your child’s eyes examined on a regular basis, but it’s also important to know what key issues to watch for early on. Let’s explore these topics and share what you can expect from a child’s first eye exam.  

 

What Age Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?

 

According to experts, a child’s first eye exam should take place between 6 and 12 months of age. Infants’ visual systems are rapidly developing at this age, and early assessment can help identify potential issues. Once they turn one year old, it is recommended to continue scheduling annual eye exams as your child reaches school age and older. 

It’s important to note that children with a family history of eye conditions or certain medical conditions may require even earlier evaluations. Consulting with an optometrist can help determine the best time for your child’s first eye exam. 

 

Key Things to Catch Early With Children’s Eyes

 

Early detection is critical when addressing vision problems in children. Several conditions can be treated if identified in the beginning stages. By scheduling regular eye exams, your optometrist can identify and address various conditions. If your child is experiencing persistent symptoms, such as headaches or migraines, it’s recommended to take your child to a doctor, who may recommend an evaluation by an optometrist. If you meet the certain requirements, Alberta health care may cover some optometry services. 

Here are some key issues that can be caught early on:

• Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) — Occurs when one eye doesn’t develop normal vision, leading to reduced visual acuity. If left untreated, it can result in permanent vision loss. Regular eye exams can detect lazy eyes and facilitate early intervention to improve vision development. 
• Refractive Errors — Includes conditions like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Early detection through eye exams allows for corrective measures, such as glasses or contact lenses, to be prescribed, ensuring optimal vision for daily activities and learning.
• Strabismus — A misalignment of the eyes, causing them to point in different directions. This condition can lead to crossed eyes or suppression of vision in one eye. Early identification can help correct the alignment and prevent long-term visual impairment. 
• Eye Health Issues — Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases that, if untreated, can lead to significant vision loss or complications later in life. 

 

What to Expect From A Child’s Eye Exam

 

During pediatric eye exams, the optometrist will perform a variety of assessments to evaluate the child’s visual acuity, eye coordination, and overall eye health. These assessments may include:

• Visual Acuity Testing — Testing how well the child can see at different distances. 
• Eye Coordination and Tracking — Evaluating how well your child’s eyes work together and track objects. It helps identify issues with eye teaming or focusing. 
• Refraction — Determines if a child needs glasses or contact lenses to correct any refractive errors. 
• Eye Health Evaluation — Checking for signs of abnormalities, infections, or diseases. 

 

The Eye See Eye Learn Program

 

Eye See Eye Learn (ESEL) is a valuable initiative provided by the Alberta Association of Optometrists that focuses on the early detection and treatment of vision problems in children. This program identifies and addresses vision issues before children reach school age, ensuring they have the best possible start in their educational journey. Through ESEL, kindergarten students in Alberta can receive a pair of glasses, if needed, from participating optometrists.

By catching vision problems early and providing the necessary support, the Eye See Eye Learn program contributes to children’s overall well-being and academic success across Alberta. 

If you suspect your child might need an eye exam, book an appointment with Ambleside’s optometrist today.