When Should My Child See the Eye Doctor?

As parents, we prioritize our children’s health—regular pediatric checkups, dental visits, and even developmental milestones are carefully monitored. But what about their vision? Many parents wonder when they should first take their child to the eye doctor, and the answer depends on several factors, including their age, symptoms, and family history.

When is the Right Time for an Eye Exam?

Most children should have their first comprehensive eye exam by the age of 5. At this stage, they can subjectively respond to vision testing using symbols, numbers, and letters, in that order of difficulty. Pediatric eye doctors use these methods to assess their visual acuity, eye teaming, and overall eye health. However, younger children, even infants, may require an earlier exam if certain signs and symptoms arise.

When to See a Pediatric Optometrist or a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?

It is important to distinguish between the types of eye care professionals who can evaluate your child.

• Pediatric Optometrists: These doctors specialize in comprehensive eye exams for children and can assess visual acuity, binocular vision (how well the eyes work together), and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism). They also help diagnose and manage conditions like amblyopia and strabismus with non-surgical treatments such as glasses, patching, and vision therapy.
• Pediatric Ophthalmologists: These are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in eye diseases and surgical interventions. If a child has a congenital eye disease, severe strabismus, or other ocular conditions requiring medical or surgical treatment, they will be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist.

For most children with common refractive errors or mild binocular vision issues, a pediatric optometrist is the first step. However, if more serious conditions are suspected, they may refer the child to a pediatric ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

While routine eye exams are important, certain signs indicate that a child should be evaluated sooner rather than later. These include:

• Frequent eye rubbing – Could indicate fatigue, strain, or even an underlying vision problem.
• Squinting or closing one eye – A sign of refractive error, amblyopia, or alignment issues.
• Tilting the head to see – May suggest a binocular vision issue or a refractive difference between the eyes.
• Excessive blinking – Sometimes linked to vision problems or dry eyes.
• Holding books or screens very close – Suggests nearsightedness (myopia) or accommodative problems.
• Difficulty following objects or maintaining eye contact – Could be a sign of developmental visual delays.
• Wandering or misaligned eyes (strabismus) – Should be evaluated immediately to determine if vision therapy or other intervention is necessary.
• Lack of interest in visual tasks – If a child avoids coloring, reading, or puzzles, it may indicate difficulty seeing clearly.

Understanding Amblyopia and Strabismus in Children

Two of the most common vision problems in young children are amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (eye misalignment).

• Amblyopia occurs when one eye does not develop proper visual acuity because the brain favors the other eye. This condition often develops without obvious symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial. Treatment includes patching the stronger eye, glasses, and vision therapy to encourage equal use of both eyes.
• Strabismus is when the eyes do not align properly—one eye may turn in, out, up, or down. This misalignment can cause double vision or lead to amblyopia if one eye is consistently ignored by the brain. Early detection is critical to ensure proper visual development.

Vision Therapy: A Non-Surgical Approach to Eye Disorders

Many parents are unaware that vision therapy can play a crucial role in treating these conditions before considering surgery. Vision therapy is a structured program that includes:

• Eye exercises to improve coordination and strengthen weak muscles.
• Specialized lenses and prisms to aid in alignment and focus.
• Computer-based activities that enhance visual processing skills.
• In-office and at-home training to reinforce progress over time.

Unlike patching alone, which only forces the weaker eye to work, vision therapy helps the brain learn how to use both eyes together effectively. Many children with amblyopia and strabismus can see significant improvements through these non-invasive techniques.

Congenital Eye Conditions Requiring Immediate Attention

Some babies are born with congenital eye diseases that require early intervention. These include:

• Congenital cataracts – Clouding of the eye’s lens that may require surgical removal.
• Congenital glaucoma – Increased eye pressure that can lead to vision loss if untreated.
• Retinoblastoma – A rare childhood eye cancer that needs urgent treatment.
• Ptosis (droopy eyelid) – Can obstruct vision and lead to amblyopia if not corrected.

If any abnormalities are noticed at birth or during infancy, a pediatric ophthalmologist should evaluate the child as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Early Eye Care

The earlier an eye issue is detected, the more effective the treatment can be. Routine comprehensive eye exams, beginning around age 5, help catch common refractive errors and binocular vision problems. However, if signs of congenital diseases, amblyopia, or strabismus arise, early intervention—often through vision therapy—can make a world of difference.

By staying proactive about your child’s vision, you’re giving them the best opportunity to see clearly and succeed in life, both academically and beyond. If you suspect your child is struggling with their vision, don’t wait—schedule an eye exam today with a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist, depending on their needs.

At See More Eye Care, we are committed to ensuring that every child gets the care they need for a lifetime of healthy vision.