When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

As parents, we want to give our children the best possible start in life. One important but often overlooked step in supporting their health and development is ensuring their vision is on track. Since children rely heavily on their eyesight to learn and explore the world around them, early and regular pediatric eye exams play a crucial role in their growth and success.
 

Vision and Development

Clear vision is essential for a child’s physical, cognitive, and social development. From recognizing faces as infants to learning letters and reading in school, healthy eyesight helps children reach important milestones. Even small vision problems can interfere with school performance, coordination, and confidence. Detecting and addressing issues early allows children to thrive in the classroom and in daily life.
 

Common Eye Conditions in Children

Children may develop several vision concerns, many of which are not always obvious to parents, including:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye): Reduced vision in one eye that can worsen without early treatment.

• Strabismus (eye turn): Misalignment of the eyes that can lead to double vision or poor depth perception.

• Refractive errors: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism that can affect reading and learning.

Since children may not always know how to describe what they see, these conditions can easily go unnoticed without a professional eye exam.
 

When to Schedule Pediatric Eye Exams

The American Optometric Association recommends that children receive their first comprehensive eye exam at 6-12 months of age, followed by another at age 3, and again before starting kindergarten. After that, annual eye exams are important to keep up with changes as their eyes grow and develop.

Routine pediatric eye exams not only catch potential problems but also provide reassurance to families that their child is seeing clearly. Addressing concerns early can prevent more serious issues down the road and support a lifetime of healthy vision.
 

Supporting Families in Firestone and Beyond

Your child’s vision impacts every aspect of their growth, from learning in the classroom to playing with friends. At Firestone Family Eyecare, we understand the unique needs of families in Firestone and the surrounding Northern Colorado communities. Our compassionate team provides thorough pediatric eye exams in a welcoming environment, helping children feel comfortable while giving parents peace of mind.

Contact Firestone Family Eyecare to schedule your child’s eye exam and give them the gift of strong vision for a bright future. Visit our office in Firestone, Colorado, or call (303) 532-1132 to book an appointment today.