Why Pediatric Eye Exams Are Important

Accurate and healthy vision is crucial for a child’s physical development, success in academic endeavours, and overall well-being. 

As much as 80 % of what a child learns in school is acquired through vision. If vision problems go undetected, children can be misdiagnosed with “learning difficulties” or “ADHD”, as is already the case in much of the world.

However, if a child undergoes a comprehensive eye exam, and vision complications are detected early in life, it is often possible to treat them effectively, leading to far fewer problems down the line.

Don’t wait until your children are already in school and struggling to read, see the board, or play  sports. At Laguna Eyes Optometry, we have the clinical knowledge and expertise to identify vision issues early on and intervene before the problems affect different areas of your children’s lives. 

School Vision Screenings vs. Comprehensive Eye Exams for Children

Typically, pediatrician or school vision screenings check your child’s eyes for basic aberrations or abnormalities. But to ensure good vision and proper eye health development, a comprehensive eye exam by a pediatric optometrist is required. 

Comprehensive eye evaluations are crucial in revealing potential vision problems, which can interfere with kids’ learning development. This exam includes tests for binocularity, refractive error, color vision, acuity, and overall eye health.

What is Assessed During a Pediatric Eye Exam?

The Laguna Eyes Optometry optometrist will perform a thorough internal and external eye health evaluation. He or she will use specialized, age-appropriate instruments, testing procedures, and technologies that provide accurate results independent of your child’s response. 

Your child’s vision-related learning skills will be assessed by evaluating the following: 

• Eye Focusing
• Depth Perception
• Color Perception
• Eye Tracking
• Eye Muscle Teaming
• Peripheral Awareness
• Near Visual Acuity
• Distance Visual Acuity

How Often Should a Child Have an Eye Exam?

Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Following that, they should have their eyes examined at age 3 and at around age 5. 

For school-aged children who don’t require correction, an eye exam every two years is recommended. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually or as recommended by your optometrist.

Glasses and Contact Lenses for Kids

Glasses for Kids

Should your child need glasses for vision correction, Laguna Eyes Optometry has a wide variety of age-appropriate and safe options. Because we specialize in eye care for young patients, we’re well acquainted with their preferred styles, shapes, and colors. We carry a large range of frames for children, inspired by adult trends but with a fun and imaginative approach and a pediatric fit in mind. 

All of our frames are comfortable, durable, and made with kid-friendly materials. Young children find the bright colored frames they love, while teens find the latest fashion trends scaled down to fit their faces.

Do your kids play sports?
Athletic eyewear for children can help protect their young eyes from sports injuries. 

At Laguna Eyes Optometry, we have something for every child and teen, no matter their preferences.

Contact Lenses for Teens

Does your child lead an active lifestyle? Does your teen fret over his or her appearance? Contact lenses may be a good option for teens who frequently play sports or are concerned with how they look, and they’re at an age when they can adequately care for their lenses.  

Do you have specific questions about fitting your child with glasses or contacts? Contact Dr. Alicia Harrison at Laguna Eyes Optometry, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Your Child Deserves the Best Eye Care

Laguna Eyes Optometry pediatric optometry division is a source of pride for our practice. Our experienced team works diligently to ensure that infants, children and teens have the ability to see, perceive and experience the world to their highest potential.

Make pediatric eye exams a priority. Don’t wait until your child faces issues at school or in other areas of life – contact Laguna Eyes Optometry now. Visit us for a routine comprehensive pediatric eye exam, or come to us with your concerns regarding your infant or toddler’s vision, and we’ll make sure to find the optimal solution for his or her visual problems. Let us bring great eye health and vision care to you and your family for many years to come.

Laguna Eyes Optometry serves patients from in and around Laguna Beach, California .