When Should My Child First See an Eye Doctor?

As a parent, you want your little bundle of joy to start well in life. One of the essential aspects of this is their eye health. However, you may not be sure about the right time to have your baby's first eye exam. After all, your toddler cannot read an eye chart. 

However, it is essential to start early. Delaying eye exams can result in severe vision issues in the future. Finding an eye issue early on can prevent it from becoming a serious condition.

When Does Your Child Need an Eye Exam?

According to experts, your child needs to see an eye doctor when they are six months old if possible. It should be repeated before kindergarten in kids without apparent eye issues. 
 

A comprehensive pediatric eye exam is essential for children in the following cases:
 

• The parents suspect the child has an eye problem

• The child has a parent or sibling with severe eye issues. These include lazy eyes (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus)

• The child has an eye issue discovered by the pediatrician

Early Eye Exams Prevent Major Issues

Undetected abnormalities or conditions can result in vision loss. Yet, some vision issues are reversible if caught early. For instance, children with lazy eyes typically respond well to treatment.
 

This is a condition where one eye is weaker than the other. Early treatment of this eye issue includes eyeglasses, an eye patch, or eye drops. This can also apply to children with strabismus. It is a condition involving one or both eyes turning outward or inward.

How to Know If Your Child Needs an Eye Exam

Knowing if your baby needs to see an eye doctor can be difficult. Here are a few tips to ensure their eye health is optimal.

Don't Wait for School

If you suspect your child has a vision problem, schedule an eye exam immediately. In most cases, kids get an eye exam before starting elementary school. However, experts recommend they get the exam before starting preschool or kindergarten.

See a Pediatric Eye Doctor

Pediatricians have specialized training for treating children. Similarly, pediatric ophthalmologists specialize in diagnosing and treating children's eye issues. They can pinpoint your child’s eye issues using children-friendly tools and testing. They can achieve this even if your child does not yet know how to read or cannot even talk.

Genetics Matter

If you or your child’s siblings have vision issues, it is of importance to have their eyes tested. Your little one is more likely to suffer vision issues if it runs in your family. So, monitoring these issues early is advisable.
 

For more information on pediatric eye exams, visit Marshall EyeCare in Aberdeen, New Jersey. Please call (732) 837-0988 to discuss any questions with our team of experts or to schedule an appointment today.