When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam? The Recommended Schedule

As parents, we pay close attention to our baby’s health—tracking their milestones, ensuring they eat well, and making sure they get the care they need. But what about their vision? Many parents assume that if their child isn’t showing signs of vision problems, there’s no need for an eye exam. However, some issues can develop without obvious symptoms, making early check-ups essential. A comprehensive eye exam ensures that your child’s eyes are developing properly and helps detect any concerns before they impact their ability to learn, move, and interact with the world.

Why Is Early Vision Care Important?

Your baby’s vision is developing rapidly from birth. In the first few months, they begin to track objects, recognize faces, and explore the world visually. Good vision is essential for motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development. If a child has an undetected vision problem, it can impact their ability to engage with their environment, which may lead to difficulties in learning and socializing later on.

Pediatric eye exams help ensure that your child’s vision is developing properly. They also allow us to detect and address any potential issues before they become bigger problems. The earlier we identify concerns, the more we can do to prevent long-term complications.

When Should My Baby Have Their First Eye Exam?

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months old, followed by another at age three, and again before starting school (around age five or six), the annually thereafter.

These early exams help us track vision development and catch any issues that might not be noticeable to parents. Some conditions can develop without obvious symptoms, making routine exams essential—even if everything seems fine.

Common Eye Conditions in Children

Children’s vision issues are more common than many parents realize. Some of the most frequently diagnosed conditions include:

•          Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): When one eye doesn’t develop properly, leading to poor vision. It’s easier to correct when caught early.

•          Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Misalignment of the eyes that can lead to vision problems and depth perception issues.

•          Refractive Errors (Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism): These conditions affect how well your child sees near or far and may require corrective lenses.

The Benefits of Early Detection

The sooner we identify vision problems, the easier they are to treat. Early intervention can prevent issues from worsening and help your child develop normal visual function. For example:

•      Catching amblyopia early allows for more effective treatment, such as patching therapy or vision therapy.

•      Identifying a need for glasses at a young age ensures that your child isn’t struggling to see in school.

•      Addressing strabismus early can prevent long-term problems with depth perception.

When we examine a child’s eyes, we’re not just checking their ability to see—we’re ensuring their brain and eyes are working together as they should.

Why Choose Us for Pediatric Eye Care?

At Family Vision Associates, our team is experienced in pediatric eye care and takes a gentle, child-friendly approach to exams. We make sure your little one feels comfortable while providing a thorough evaluation of their eye health. We also use state-of-the-art technology to assess vision, eye alignment, and overall eye development in infants and children. Whether it’s a routine check-up or addressing a specific concern, we’re here to guide you through the process and provide personalized care for your child.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Your child’s vision is a key part of their growth and development. Don’t wait for signs of a problem—early eye exams help ensure their eyes are healthy and set them up for success. We specialize in gentle, thorough eye care for children of all ages. Whether it’s your baby’s first exam or a routine check-up, we’re here to provide expert care.

Give your child the best start in life by scheduling their eye exam with Family Vision Associates. Visit our office in Parsippany, New Jersey, or call (973) 386-0111 to book an appointment today.