Vision can impact your child’s learning and academic success. However, children often won’t notice there is something wrong with their vision. As a parent, you want to set your child up for success, which is why it is important to keep an eye on their vision.
But when and how often should you book your child an eye exam?
The Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO) recommends that your child should have:
- One eye exam when your child is 6-9 months old
- One eye exam when your child is 2-5 years old
- An eye exam every year when your child is 6-19 years old
At Eye Effects, we offer eye exam services to children of all ages. Let us help your child enjoy the healthiest eyes and vision possible by booking an appointment with us today.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Eye Exam
As your child ages, eye care professionals will start to check for different types of vision development and vision problems.
Infant Eye Exams (6-9 Months)
An infant’s vision develops and changes rapidly in the first year of life. The AAO recommends that you book your child’s first eye exam when they are 6-9 months old.
When examining an infant’s eyes, optometrists will check for a few key things:
- Making sure an infant’s eyes are developing normally.
- Ensuring the eyes move and align properly.
- Seeing if the eyes focus together.
- Colour vision and hand-eye coordination may also be tested.
Some infant vision problems are more common than others. Strabismus, or crossed eyes, are sometimes present in children younger than four months. After four months, strabismus is not common and should be treated. If left untreated, strabismus can turn into amblyopia (also known as a “lazy eye”) and double vision. Fortunately, there are many treatments for strabismus, including eyeglasses, eye patches, or even surgery.
Other common eye issues that are screened for in your infant’s first eye care exam include refractive errors (like near and far-sightedness) and genetic eye diseases.
Toddler & Preschool Eye Exams (2-5 Years)
The next time your child should have their eyes examined should be when they are 2-5 years old. This appointment monitors the development of your child’s eyes. This appointment will also ensure that your child will be prepared to succeed in a classroom environment.
When examining a child’s eyes at this stage, optometrists will examine:
- If visual development is still normal for your child’s age.
- If your child’s depth perception and hand-eye coordination are progressing normally.
- Older children may be tested on their letter recognition.
School-Aged Eye Exams (6-19 Years)
Research suggests that as many as 80% of classroom learning is visual. To make sure your child can excel in their learning, it is important to monitor their vision as they progress through school. This is why the AAO recommends that children undergo an eye exam every year from six to nineteen.
In eye exams for school-aged children, optometrists will examine:
- How clear your child’s vision is.
- How well your child can focus on objects close up, far away, and shifting between objects.
- If your child can control their eye position and movement.
- If your child’s peripheral vision and hand-eye coordination are normal.
Vision problems can be incredibly difficult to navigate during a child’s school years. An eye exam is the only way to identify whether your child has a vision problem. By booking annual eye exams for your child, you are ensuring that they can get the support they need for their vision needs.
Signs that Your Child is Having Vision Problems
Children’s eyes change quickly, so it is important to stay on the lookout for signs that your child may be experiencing vision problems and requires professional help. Some common signs of vision problems in children of all ages are:
- Light sensitivity
- Visibly crossed or misaligned eyes
- Excessive blinking or eye rubbing
- Abnormal head tilting
- Difficulty concentrating
- Holding objects very close to the face
- Headaches
Children with vision problems may also show some behavioural issues as well. Some behavioural signs that your child may have a vision problem are:
- Irritability and frustration
- Performing poorly academically
- Avoiding work that involves objects that are up close or at a distance
- Using a finger to maintain place when reading
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Difficulty with detailed activities, like puzzles
If you notice any of these behaviours in your child, consult your eye care provider immediately.
Book Your Child’s Eye Exam With Us
Regular eye exams allow eye care providers to catch and treat vision problems as early as possible. In Alberta, annual eye exams are free for children under the age of 18, and through their “Eye See Eye Learn” program, some children may be eligible to receive their first pair of prescription eyeglasses for free.
At Eye Effects, we offer comprehensive eye exams for children so you can stay on top of your child’s vision needs. Our friendly staff is here to help treat your child’s unique vision needs. To book your appointment, contact us today.
