Our eyes help us take in the world around us and play an important role in kids' development. Getting regular eye exams can keep their eyes healthy and find any vision problems. Many problems and eye diseases can be treated, especially when they are found early.
Kids get their first eye exam in the hospital as newborns. Then, a doctor or nurse will check their eyes at each checkup. For kids in school, the nurse often does this too.
Depending on your child’s age and family health history, each eye exam may be slightly different. Eye exams can include:
If the pediatrician or family doctor finds a problem that needs to be checked by an eye doctor, they will recommend that your child see an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
Many kids and teens are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism. These problems are usually corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Kids and teens who wear glasses or contacts should have yearly checkups with an eye doctor to watch for any vision changes.
If your child needs glasses, keep these tips in mind:
Contact lenses may be a good choice for some older kids and teens, such as those who play sports or feel uncomfortable wearing glasses. To wear contacts safely, they should know:
Many vision problems that are found early can be corrected. Call your pediatrician or family doctor if you notice that your child’s eyes:
Also call if your child:
In school-age children, signs of a problem can include:
Reviewed by: Amanda J. Bourgeois, OD
Date Reviewed: Nov 10, 2020
