If you’re wondering, “At what age should children first have an eye exam?” you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions parents ask.
Your child’s eyes should be checked shortly after birth, before starting school at age three or four and throughout the school years as needed. Learn more about children’s eye exams at every age.
Start the school year with a kids’ eye exam
September is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, and the start of a new school year is the perfect time to schedule children’s eye exams. An eye doctor can find and treat eye problems that could affect your child’s school performance. The doctor can also help you protect your child’s vision during sports and other school activities.
Why does my child need regular eye exams?
More than one in 20 preschool children has a vision problem that can cause permanent sight loss if left untreated. About 50 percent of all cases of blindness and 90 percent of eye injuries are preventable. Vision problems can interfere with performance in school or sports, and vision loss can cause lifelong disability. It can also limit the kinds of jobs your child can do as an adult. Regular eye care is important even when your child shows no signs of eye trouble.