Key Takeaways: Pediatric Eye Exam for Kids
A pediatric eye exam is essential because kids often can’t recognize or communicate vision problems on their own.
Comprehensive pediatric eye exams detect more than blurry vision—they screen for issues like strabismus, amblyopia, and focusing problems.
Signs your child may need a pediatric eye exam.
Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
Blurry vision, headaches, or squinting
Holding books or screens too close
Tilting the head or covering one eye
Difficulty keeping up in school
Misaligned or crossed eyes
Sensitivity to light or red, irritated eyes
Experts recommend scheduling a pediatric eye exam:
At 6 months
At 3 years
Before starting school
Annually thereafter
Healthy daily habits—like outdoor play, screen time breaks, and proper nutrition—can help protect your child’s vision between pediatric eye exams.
Rivertown Eye Care offers trusted, family-focused pediatric eye exams in Hastings, MN, with early detection, customized treatments, and fun eyewear options for kids.
Introduction:
As parents, we want the best for our children—including healthy vision and eyes. But unlike adults, kids don’t always recognize when something is wrong with their eyesight. They might not realize that blurry vision, headaches, or squinting aren’t normal. A pediatric eye exam is the best way to detect vision problems early, preventing long-term struggles in school, sports, and daily life.
Here are seven warning signs that indicate you may need to schedule an eye exam for kids as soon as possible.
Why a Pediatric Eye Exam Is Essential for Your Child’s Health
A pediatric eye exam does more than check for blurry vision—it screens for potentially serious eye conditions that can impact learning, behavior, and future eye health. Undiagnosed vision problems can lead to:
Learning difficulties – Struggling to read, skipping words, or poor performance in school
Headaches and eye strain – Frequent discomfort due to undetected vision issues
Avoidance of sports or play – Poor depth perception or blurry vision can make activities frustrating
Social withdrawal – Kids may shy away from group activities if they can’t see clearly
7 Signs Your Child Needs an Eye Exam for Kids ASAP
If you see a child demonstrate any of these behaviors, it's time to schedule a pediatric eye exam. Early intervention is key in stopping or slowing progression of eye health and vision issues in children:
1. Frequent Eye Rubbing, Blinking, or Watery Eyes
Constantly rubbing or blinking can signal eye strain, fatigue, or dry eyes.
Watery eyes may indicate an issue with tear production.
2. Complaints of Blurry Vision or Headaches
Kids struggling to see clearly often develop frequent headaches.
Blurry vision may worsen with screen time or reading.
3. Squinting, Covering One Eye, or Tilting Their Head
Squinting is a common sign of nearsightedness or astigmatism.
Tilting the head may suggest binocular vision issues (how the eyes work together).
4. Holding Screens or Books Too Close
Sitting too close to the TV or holding books close is a major sign of myopia (nearsightedness).
Screen fatigue from digital devices can worsen eye strain.
Holding books or screen too close is a sign to visit your pediatric optician.
5. Trouble Following Along in School
Skipping lines or losing place when reading can mean a focusing issue.
Struggles with reading comprehension may be due to blurry vision or double vision.
6. Misaligned or Crossed Eyes (Strabismus)
If one eye turns inward, outward, up, or down, it may indicate strabismus (crossed eyes).
Left untreated, lazy eye (amblyopia) can develop, leading to permanent vision loss.
7. Light Sensitivity or Eye Redness
Sensitivity to bright lights may signal an underlying eye condition.
Red, swollen, or crusty eyelids could mean an eye infection or allergy.
When Should Your Child Have a Pediatric Eye Exam?
Kids should have comprehensive eye exams at these ages:
First exam: At 6 months old
Second exam: At 3 years old
Before starting school: Around age 5
Annually after that (or as recommended by your optometrist)
Even if no symptoms are present, annual pediatric eye exams help detect issues before they cause learning difficulties or long-term problems.
How a Pediatric Eye Exam Detects Vision Problems Early
During an eye exam for kids, Rivertown Eye Care checks for:
✅ Visual acuity – Testing how clearly (or not) your child sees objects near and far
✅ Eye coordination – Ensuring both eyes work together properly
✅ Focus ability – Checking if eyes can easily shift from near to far
✅ Eye health screening – Detecting eye diseases or developmental issues
Other Ways to Protect Your Child’s Vision
A pediatric eye exam is the best defense against vision problems, but daily habits also matter. Help protect your child’s eyesight by:
Encouraging outdoor play – At least 90 minutes outside daily reduces myopia risk.
Using the 20-20-20 rule – Every 20 minutes of screen time, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Providing a balanced diet – Leafy greens, carrots, and omega-3-rich fish support eye health.
Wearing sunglasses outdoors – Protects against UV damage.
Use protective eyewear – Especially for sports or activities with flying objects.
Rivertown Eye Care: 50 Years of Trusted Pediatric Eye Exams in Hastings, MN
For 50 years, Rivertown Eye Care has been the trusted pediatric eye care provider for families in Hastings, MN. Our team specializes in:
✅ Comprehensive eye exams for kids of all ages
✅ Early detection and treatment of vision issues
✅ Custom solutions, from glasses to myopia control options
Schedule Your Child’s Pediatric Eye Exam Today!
A child’s vision impacts every part of their life—from school to social interactions and beyond. Don’t wait until symptoms appear. An early pediatric eye exam can protect your child’s vision for life!
Call Rivertown Eye Care in Hastings, MN, today to schedule an eye exam for kids!