Kids’ Eye Exams
If you have a child or grandchild that is 5 years or older, they should have had their first eye exam by now, as part of their wellness regime – the dentist, the eye doctor, and the pediatrician. The eye exam at an early age serves as a baseline for vision wellness.
The vision screening at the pediatricians’ office or at school only tests distance vision – not the health of the eye, and not eye muscle function, near vision, nor depth perception — all the things that can affect a child’s ability to learn. Roughly 80 percent of what a child learns in school is information that is presented visually!
An eye exam is easy for most kids – just watch 19 month old baby Gunnar having his first eye exam! His eyes were even dilated so Dr. Mueller could have a good look at the back of his eye. You can choose whether or not, their eyes are dilated for the exam.
Everywhere a child’s eyes look they’re seeing something for the first time. It’s up to you to make sure they are seeing everything as clearly and vividly as possible. Experts say 5% to 10% of pre-schoolers and 25% of school-aged children have vision problems. Early identification of a child’s vision problem is crucial because, if left untreated, some childhood vision problems can cause permanent vision loss. Just because a parent doesn’t wear glasses it is not an indication that a child will not; children are spending more time on digital devices with exposure to blue light that affects vision.
What to watch out for:
- Rubbing of the eyes
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting
- Holding objects or books unusually close or far away
- Excessive blinking
- Favoring one eye by covering it or turning their head
- Eyes that are not aligned or are not working together
- Red, swollen or encrusted eyes
- Recurring sties or infections on eyelids
If you notice any of these signs in your children, Book an eye exam!
If our doctor determines your child needs eyeglasses, we have a wide selection of glasses and frames designed specifically for kids and their active lifestyles, including protective eyewear and impact resistant polycarbonate lenses.
Kids should start wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection early as their eyes are more vulnerable to UV damage while playing outdoors.
Everywhere a child’s eyes look they’re seeing something for the first time. It’s up to you to make sure they are seeing everything as clearly and vividly as possible.
Trust our Doctors of Optometry for your children’s vision sooner rather than later to help make sure they don’t miss a thing.
What to watch out for:
- Rubbing of the eyes
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting
- Holding objects or books unusually close or far away
- Excessive blinking
- Favoring one eye by covering it or turning their head
- Eyes that are not aligned or are not working together
- Red, swollen or encrusted eyes
- Recurring sties or infections on eyelids
If you notice any of these signs in your children, schedule an eye exam* online or call 763-416-0622 with one of our doctors as soon as possible.
When should my children have their vision checked?
- Birth to 24 months: By 24 months, or as recommended by their doctor
- Toddlers: At 3 years old is generally good time to come back in
- 6 and older: Before first grade and annually thereafter
Eyes need sunblock too. Children are especially vulnerable to damaging UV rays because they typically spend longer amounts of time outdoors.
Did you know that if your child contracts pink eye or has an eye injury, it is much easier to see one of our eye doctors than it is to see a pediatrician or to visit the ER or Minute Clinic? We’ll fit them in on the same day, the wait won’t be long, and we can bill your medical insurance for the visit.
