When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

Your child’s vision is a key part of their growth and development. Yet many vision problems can go unnoticed simply because children don’t always know how to express what they’re experiencing. At KM Eye Care, we’re here to help you understand when and why pediatric eye exams should be part of your child’s health routine.

The Importance of Early Eye Care

Children rely heavily on their vision to explore and learn about the world around them. From recognizing faces to reading and participating in the classroom, good eyesight is key to early development. Unfortunately, young children may not always realize that something is wrong with their vision.
 

Some common eye conditions that can develop in childhood include:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye): Often caused by unequal vision in the eyes, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

• Strabismus (crossed eyes): Misaligned eyes can impact depth perception and may require treatment to prevent vision issues.

• Refractive errors: Conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can affect how clearly a child sees.
   

Detecting and addressing these conditions early can improve your child’s academic performance, confidence, and overall quality of life.
 

When Should You Schedule Your Child’s First Eye Exam?

According to the American Optometric Association, children should have their first comprehensive eye exam around 6 to 12 months of age. If no issues are found, the next exam should be scheduled around age 3, followed by another before they begin kindergarten or first grade, typically around 5 or 6 years old. After that, school-aged children should receive an eye exam every year.
 

What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam

At KM Eye Care, we strive to make your child’s eye exam comfortable and stress-free. During the appointment, our optometrists will:

• Assess your child’s overall eye health and development

• Check for any signs of eye conditions or vision problems

• Evaluate how well your child’s eyes work together

• Test visual acuity, eye tracking, and focusing skills
   

We use gentle, child-friendly methods and age-appropriate tests to ensure accurate results and a positive experience for your little one.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Early and regular eye exams are essential to protecting your child’s vision and supporting their developmental milestones. Many childhood eye issues are easily treatable when caught early, which is why proactive care is key. We’re proud to partner with parents to give children the clear, healthy vision they need to succeed.
 

If your child is due for their first eye exam or you have concerns about their vision, contact KM Eye Care to schedule a pediatric eye exam. Visit our office in Honolulu, Hawaii, call (808) 735-7633, or text (712) 214-7960 to book an appointment today.