Pediatric Eye Care Specialist

How Often Should My Child See the Optometrist?

Your child's first eye exam should occur when they’re about 6 months old. After that, your child should have an exam around age 3, and then again at age 6 just before they begin school.

Children should see the optometrist every two years throughout their schooling, but if your child has vision problems or is at risk for problems, they'll need to see the optometrist once a year instead.

If your child suddenly starts showing symptoms of an eye issue, such as suddenly complaining of eye pain or chronic eye watering, for example, schedule a visit at VistaSite Eye Care right away.

What are the Signs My Child May Have a Vision Issue?

If your child has vision problems, they may:

• Squint
• Mix up letters when reading
• Hold books very close to their face
• Rub their eyes continually
• Avoid reading
• Cover or close one eye often

Sometimes teachers are the first to notice potential vision problems, so maintain a close connection with your child's educators to make sure that you're aware of any issues.

Can My Child Use Contact Lenses?

It all depends on your child's specific issues and abilities. Some kids are mature enough for contacts as young as age 7, while others should wait until they're teenagers.

If your child wants or needs contacts and they're not squeamish about touching their eyes, they may be a good candidate. Your VistaSite Eye Care optometrist will help you decide when your child's ready to make the transition from glasses to contact lenses.

Does My Child Need Myopia Control?

If the team at VistaSite Eye Care notices your child's myopia (nearsightedness) is getting worse at every eye exam, your optometrist may recommend myopia control to stop the condition’s progression. Myopia control includes special eye drops or contact lenses.

Often, myopia control can completely stop nearsightedness, and in some cases, your child may not even need glasses or contacts in the long term after myopia control.

Myopia control is important for children who have progressive myopia, as it can prevent serious myopic complications like retinal tears and cataracts.

Consistent quality eye care is important for children of all ages, so don't hesitate to give your child the gift of great vision. Call or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.