Signs Your Child Needs an Eye Exam

Are you wondering when you should take your child in for an eye exam? Curious how to tell if your child’s vision is failing? At Epic Vision Eye Center in Smithville, MO, we believe that children should have their first eye exam before the age of 12 months. Follow-up appointments should be held at the 3-year and 5-year mark, or sooner if you suspect your child is experiencing problems with their vision.

How to Tell If Your Child Is Having Difficulty Seeing

Sitting Close to the TV/Holding Tablet or Other Items Too Close – If your child is sitting close to the screen or holding items close to their eyes to read them, it may indicate difficulty with far vision. Nearsightedness makes people bring in items close to read them.

Rubbing at Their Eyes – If your child is always rubbing their eyes, it can indicate eye strain or eye fatigue. There are many reasons for this, including some eye conditions like allergic conjunctivitis.

Frequent Headaches or Eye Pain – If your child is always saying their head or eyes hurt, schedule an optometry appointment immediately. Headaches and eye pain may be due to overexertion due to poor vision.

Squinting – Squinting is a way to try to bring items in their field of vision into focus when they are blurry or distorted. It temporarily helps bring the items into focus and clarifies the objects in the squinter’s field of vision. Squinting is one of the most obvious indications that your child needs an eye exam.

Optometrist in Smithville, MO

If you believe your child’s vision is impaired, the optometry professionals of Epic Vision Eye Centers are ready to assist you. Our optometrist will evaluate your child’s eyes to determine the root cause of their impaired vision and provide treatment accordingly. For more information or to schedule an eye exam, call us at (888) 749-7755.