When Should My Child’s First Eye Exam Be?

Eye health is an important part of a child’s development. With optimal eyesight, a child may be better able to read, engage with peers, see reading materials in the classroom and comprehend what they read. Even slight problems with vision can greatly hinder a child’s development. They may feel “lesser” than peers or feel that they are “different” because they aren’t learning at the same rate. A child doesn’t realize that their eyesight is different; they can only “see” that they aren’t achieving what is expected of them. Thanks to pediatric optometrists in New Albany, MS, your child’s eyesight can be managed and optimized with professional care. It all begins with your child’s first eye exam.

Newborn to Six Months

New parents should never assume that their newborn has come into the world with perfect vision. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that infants have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age. At this stage, an eye doctor will check for basic eye health, focusing ability, and signs of congenital eye conditions such as cataracts or retinoblastoma. The exam ensures that your baby’s eyes are developing correctly and can catch potential issues early.

Six Months to Three Years

Don’t assume that after that first visit, everything is okay. Vision problems sometimes take some time to develop. Between the ages of six months and two years, you should schedule another eye exam if you notice any signs of vision problems or if your child has a family history of eye conditions. Pediatricians often perform basic eye screenings during regular checkups, but you shouldn’t rely on this alone. A comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist provides a more detailed assessment.

Signs Your Child Might Have Vision Problems

You shouldn’t only rely on the above guidelines before bringing your child to see a pediatric eye doctor. If you notice any of the following, book an appointment right away:

• frequent headaches
• unwillingness to play with peers
• unreasonable moodiness
• chronic rubbing of the eyes
• squinting
• tilting the head when watching TV or reading
• poor grades
• holding reading materials very close or very far away from the face

To schedule your child’s pediatric eye exam in New Albany, MS, contact Weeden Eye Clinic. We look forward to caring for your child’s eyesight for a lifetime!