Your Child’s First Eye Exam: What Parents Should Know

Your child’s first eye exam is an important step in ensuring their vision develops properly. Good vision is closely tied to learning and development, and early detection of vision issues can help set your child up for long-term success. At EyeDocs Family Eye Care, we aim to make your child’s first visit comfortable, informative, and thorough.
 

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

According to the American Optometric Association, children should have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. After that, additional exams are recommended at age 3 and before starting kindergarten. Even if no vision problems are apparent, these early exams are essential to catch potential issues before they interfere with your child’s development.
 

What Happens During the Exam?

Our pediatric eye exams are designed to be gentle and kid-friendly. We’ll assess how your child’s eyes are working together, check for refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness, or astigmatism, and examine the overall health of their eyes.
 

We use tools and techniques appropriate for your child’s age and comfort level, whether they are preverbal or already reading. Vision screening at school may not detect every issue, which is why a comprehensive exam with an optometrist is so important.
 

Signs Your Child May Have Vision Problems

Some children may not realize they have trouble seeing clearly, but there are signs parents can look for, including:

• Squinting or tilting the head

• Sitting too close to screens

• Frequent headaches or eye rubbing

• Short attention span for age-appropriate visual tasks

• Avoiding books or reading
   

If you notice any of these behaviors, schedule an exam even if your child isn't due yet.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children. It typically begins in early childhood and can progress over time. We offer advanced myopia management treatments to help slow this progression and protect your child’s vision.
 

Options such as Ortho-K lenses, multifocal soft contacts, and low-dose atropine eye drops can be effective in reducing how quickly myopia worsens. Early detection and proactive treatment are key to managing this condition and preventing serious vision complications later in life.
 

Setting Your Child Up for Visual Success

By bringing your child in for their first eye exam and staying on top of their eye health as they grow, you're taking an essential step toward supporting their academic performance, coordination, and confidence.
 

Schedule your child’s eye exam with EyeDocs Family Eye Care and give them the clear vision they need to thrive. Visit our office in Germantown, Ohio, or call (937) 855-4121 to book an appointment today.