Your child’s precious eyes need regular care for their healthy development. Vision problems can affect how your child learns, behaves, and feels. That is why you should take your child to an eye doctor at least once a year.

A pediatric eye exam thoroughly checks your child’s eye health and vision. It can find and treat vision problems or diseases that may lead to permanent vision loss.

 

When to Have Your Child’s Eyes Examined

Children need their first eye exam at six months, then by age three and before school. Those with eye problems in their family, corrective lenses, or signs of vision trouble need more exams.

Signs of vision trouble include:

• Squinting

• Tilting the head

• Bringing objects too close

• Avoiding reading

• Complaining of headaches or blurry vision

• Struggling to pay attention

 

How to Prepare Your Child for an Eye Exam

You can make your child’s eye exam fun and positive by preparing them well.

Here are some tips to help your child get ready for an eye exam:

• Tell your child what will happen during the exam in simple and positive words.

• Show your child some pictures or videos of an eye exam so they are not surprised.

• Bring your child’s favorite toy or book to keep them happy and relaxed during the exam.

• Bring your child’s corrective lenses, prescription, and other relevant information.

• Come early for the appointment so you can do any paperwork and not rush.

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

An eye exam usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your child’s age and cooperation.

The eye doctor will do various tests to check your child’s eye health and vision, such as:
 

Visual acuity: This test measures how well your child can see at different distances. Your child may have to identify letters, numbers, shapes, or pictures on a chart or a screen.

Eye movement: This test checks how well your child can move their eyes in different directions. Your child may have to follow a light or a toy with their eyes.

Eye alignment: This test shows how well your child’s eyes work together. Your child may have to look at a penlight or a cover paddle while the doctor watches their eyes.

Refraction: This test determines if your child needs corrective lenses to fix their vision. Your child may have to look through a device called a phoropter with different lenses while the doctor asks which ones are clearer.

Eye health: This test looks at the parts of your child’s eyes, such as the eyelids, cornea, iris, lens, retina, and optic nerve. Your child may get eye drops to make their pupils bigger and more light-sensitive for a few hours. The doctor will then use a special microscope called a slit lamp or an ophthalmoscope to look inside their eyes.

What Happens After an Eye Exam?


After the exam, the eye doctor will talk to you and your child about the results. They will tell you if your child has vision problems or eye diseases and suggest the best treatment options. They will also give your child corrective lenses and tell you how to care for them. The eye doctor will also inform you when your child needs another eye exam.


A pediatric eye exam is essential to your child’s health. It can help prevent vision loss, improve academic performance, and enhance the quality of life. Feel free to contact your eye doctor with questions or concerns about your child’s eyes or vision.

For more information on pediatric eye exams, visit San Marino Optometry at our San Marino, California, office. Call (626) 415-3600 to schedule an appointment today.