Exams for Children

Children that do not show eye health issues or are a low risk for eye problems should still have their eyes screened by six months of age. University Eye Specialists then recommends another eye exam at age three and before the start of school. Children who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses need to be seen annually to keep their prescriptions current.

Children that have eye health risk factors should have more frequent eye exams. Risk factors include eye problems that may get worse after the start of school, eye injuries, eye development delays, crossed eyes, family history of eye problems or physical illnesses or diseases that include eye problems. Some behaviors that parents can watch for includes:

• Loses place while reading
• Avoids close work
• Rubs eyes
• Experiences headaches
• Tilts or turns head
• Performs below potential
• Holds reading materials closer than normal