When to Perform a Pediatric Eye Exam?
Clear Vision for a Bright Future
According to research, a child should have an initial screening between 6 and 12 months of age. After that, routine eye health and vision screenings throughout childhood should be performed in order to help detect any abnormalities as their eyes develop. Then, unless otherwise recommended, every two years thereafter until the age of 18.
Newborn Exams
For a newborn, an optometrist should examine the baby’s eyes and perform a test called “red reflex test” which is a basic indicator that the eyes are normal. In a case that the baby is premature or at high risk for medical problems for other reasons, has signs of abnormalities, or has a family history of serious vision disorders in childhood, the optometrist should perform a comprehensive exam.
A second eye health examination should be done to infants between six months and the first birthday. This examination includes tests of pupil responses to evaluate whether the pupil opens and closes properly in the presence or absence of light, a fixate and follow test to determine whether the baby can fixate on an object such as a light and follow it as it moves, and a preferential looking test which uses cards that are blank on one side with stripes on the other side to attract the gaze of an infant to the stripes and thus vision capabilities can be assessed. Infants should be able to perform this task well by the time they are 3 months old.
Preschooler
For a Preschooler, between the ages of 3 and 3½, a child’s visual acuity and eye alignment should be assessed. If the child is diagnosed with misaligned eyes (strabismus), "lazy eye” (amblyopia), refractive errors (astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia) or any other focusing problems, it’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible to ensure successful vision correction and life-long benefits.
At School age or upon entering school, the child’s eyes should be screened for visual acuity and alignment. In this age group, nearsightedness (myopia) is the most common refractive error and can be corrected with eyeglasses.
Signs of a Vision Problem in Children
There are some signs that parents can tell if their child has a vision problem. For example, the child may squint, hold reading materials very close to their face, or complain about things appearing blurry. However, there are some less obvious signs that may indicate vision problems, such as having a short attention span, quickly losing interest in games, projects or activities that require using their eyes for an extended period of time, or losing their place when reading. As well as choosing to avoid reading, drawing, playing games or doing other projects that require focusing up close. Another sign is that a child may turn his or her head to the side when looking at something in front of them. This may be a sign of a refractive error, including astigmatism, so by turning their head helps the child see better.
That’s why it is so important for kids to have regular eye screenings with an optometrist. The earlier a vision problem is found and treated, the better off your child will be in and out of school.
Myopia Management
Protecting Your Child’s Vision for the Future
Myopia—commonly known as nearsightedness—is a condition where distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea becomes too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
Why It Matters
Myopia typically begins in childhood and often worsens as the eyes continue to grow. While glasses and regular contact lenses correct vision, they don’t slow the progression of myopia—which can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
What Causes Myopia?
Lifestyle Factors
Increased screen time, prolonged near work (like reading or using digital devices), and limited time spent outdoors can all contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
Family history
Children with one or both nearsighted parents are more likely to become myopic.
Signs to Watch For?
Myopia in children can be subtle. Look for:
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Difficulty seeing the board at school
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Squinting to see distant objects
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Sitting very close to screens
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Poor performance in sports or outdoor play
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Changes in academic performance or social behavior
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child.
Introducing MiSight® 1 day
The First FDA-Approved Contact Lens to Slow Myopia Progression
At Pinnacle Vision Care, we are proud to offer CooperVision MiSight® 1 day, a revolutionary soft contact lens proven to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8–12 at the initiation of treatment. These lenses are worn during the day and discarded at night, offering both vision correction and myopia control in one simple, comfortable lens.
Benefits of MiSight® 1 day:
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Clinically proven to slow myopia progression
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Easy-to-use daily disposable lenses
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Encourages active, glasses-free lifestyles
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Helps reduce long-term risks of serious eye disease
Get your glasses or lenses.
Early intervention is key to protecting your child’s long-term vision. We’ll create a personalized myopia management plan tailored to your child’s unique needs—including MiSight® lenses and lifestyle guidance.