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Children’s Eye Exams: Why They Matter

pediatric eye exam

Good vision is an important part of a child’s development. Seeing well helps children engage with the world around them, socialize with others, and excel in the classroom. It's never too early to get your little one’s eye checked by an eye doctor. Making sure they can see clearly will set the foundation they need for a bright future.

To book your child’s eye exam, contact Precision Eye Care of NJ in Middletown.

CALL 732-842-9177

The Importance of Children’s Eye Exams

Eye exams for kids are a great way to ensure that their vision is developing normally, and that there are no eye issues that could lead to vision loss or interfere with their ability to learn and grow.

Pediatric eye exams measure visual acuity from various distances, eye movements, and eye teaming skills, among others.

At What Age Should a Child Get An Eye Exam?

Eye doctors generally recommend that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age and again between the age of 2-3. After this, children should have their eyes and vision evaluated prior to starting school.

Having an annual eye exam at the start of every new school year is the best way to maintain your child’s eye health, and to determine whether they need glasses or a new prescription.

Signs of Eye Problems in Children

Children with eye issues may:

  • Hold reading materials unusually close to their face
  • Find it hard to focus
  • Have frequent headaches
  • Complain their eyes are tired or sore
  • Cover or close one eye to see clearly
  • Consistently rub their eyes
  • Have poor eye-tracking skills and motor coordination

What To Expect At A Child’s Eye Exam

Your child doesn’t have to be able to read to get a comprehensive eye exam. Eye doctors are able to test depth perception, color vision, and focusing abilities in babies at 6 months of age.

In kindergarteners, they use eye charts filled with symbols (like houses, squares and circles), random dot stereopsis (to see how both eyes coordinate), and a retinoscopy to determine the health of the retina.

Eye doctors will look for focusing issues, color blindness, poor depth perception, eye health problems, lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed or misaligned eyes (strabismus), and convergence insufficiency (difficulty maintaining eye alignment during near vision).

CALL 732-842-9177

Blue Light Glasses at Precision Eye Care of NJ

Blue light glasses or lenses block blue light from digital devices, which has negative effects on eye health, sleep, and well-being.

Children are susceptible to the effects of blue light because their eyes are still developing, which is why taking your child for an eye exam with Precision Eye Care of NJ is key.

It’ll help protect their eyes while they’re working on the computer, watching TV or playing games on the tablet.