When it comes to your child’s health, their eyes deserve just as much attention as the rest of their body. But many parents ask: “How young is too young for an eye exam?” or “Does screen time really affect my child’s vision?”
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to keep your child’s eyes healthy and thriving.
At What Age Should My Child First See an Eye Doctor?
Most parents are surprised to learn that children can get their first eye exam as early as 6 months old. While your little one won’t be reading an eye chart just yet, our doctors use specialized equipment and techniques to check for proper development, eye alignment, and more.
How Can an Eye Doctor Check a Baby’s Eyes?
Eye doctors use light-based tools and movement-tracking techniques to assess how well your child’s eyes are working together—even before they can talk!
How Often Should Kids Get Eye Exams?
- Ages 6 months – 5 years: At least once a year
- School-age children: Annually, or every 6 months if concerns arise
- Vision therapy cases (like eye turns or rapid movement): Every 3 months
Early and regular exams are key to catching conditions like strabismus, amblyopia, or nystagmus—issues that are much easier to treat early on.
But What If My Child Can’t Read Yet?
That’s okay! Even if your toddler can’t read, there are signs that something might be off. For example:
“If your child reaches for an object but misses it every time, that could signal a vision issue.”
If something feels off to you as a parent, trust your instincts—it’s always a good idea to get checked.
If I Wear Glasses, Will My Child Need Them Too?
Not necessarily. While there may be a genetic factor in vision, your child’s eyesight is unique to them. Even if one or both parents wear glasses, your child may not need them at all—or may develop different needs.
Can Too Much Screen Time Hurt My Child’s Eyes?
Absolutely. Screens strain young eyes faster than adult eyes. Prolonged screen time can lead to:
- Tired, irritated eyes
- Difficulty focusing
- Potential long-term vision strain
We recommend limiting screen time and encouraging breaks every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away, known as the 20-20-20 rule.
Does My Child Need Glasses? How Can I Tell?
Signs to watch for include:
- 1. Squinting
- 2. Frequent eye rubbing
- 3. Covering one eye
- 4. Sitting too close to screens
- 5. Avoiding reading or detailed tasks
- If you notice any of these, schedule an eye exam right away.
We’re Here to Help
At Today's Vision Sugar Land located in Sugarland and Sawyer Heights, we love working with families. From baby’s first exam to navigating teen screen time, we’re here to guide your child’s visual development at every stage.
Two locations, same great care:
- Sugarland Office – serving an older, more seasoned clientele with tailored frame options
- Sawyer Heights – full schedules and expert care throughout the week Need to schedule an appointment or have questions about pediatric eye care? Give us a call or use our contact form today!