Your Child’s First Eye Exam: What to Expect, from Age 1

Vision develops fast in the first years of life, and many eye problems don’t cause obvious symptoms. A child who has always seen blurry doesn’t know anything is wrong. That’s why an eye exam from an eye doctor matters, even when your child seems to see fine.

When to schedule the first exam

• Between 6 and 12 months of age
• At least once between ages 3 and 5
• Before first grade
• Every year through the school years

We see children as young as 1 year old. Dr. Iris Matsukado, who focuses on pediatric eye care, sees babies, toddlers and school-age kids at our Odessa office.

School screenings aren’t the same as an eye exam

A screening mostly checks how clearly a child sees far away. A comprehensive eye exam also checks focusing, how the two eyes work together and the health of the eyes. A child can pass a screening and still have a problem that makes reading hard.

What happens during the exam

Your child doesn’t need to read letters. For little ones we use pictures, lights, toys and simple tests that show how the eyes focus and team together. We look for:

• Lazy eye (amblyopia), which responds best to treatment while vision is still developing
• Crossed or wandering eyes (strabismus)
• Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism
• Focusing and eye-teaming problems that can make reading and schoolwork harder

We often use dilating drops, which let us see the whole inside of the eye and measure the prescription accurately in young children. Their vision may be blurry and sensitive to light for several hours afterward.

Tips for a smooth visit

• Schedule around naps and meals, when your child is usually at their best.
• Bring a favorite toy or snack, and sunglasses for the ride home.
• Talk about the visit ahead of time as something fun: looking at pictures and lights.
• Bring any glasses your child already wears, and a list of medications.

Signs to watch for between visits

Call us sooner if your child squints, holds books very close, covers one eye, tilts their head to see, complains of headaches or tired eyes, or avoids reading and close-up activities.

Learn more about our pediatric eye care and myopia management for kids.

Questions from former patients

How young can my child have an eye exam?

We see children from 1 year old. Eye doctors recommend a first exam between 6 and 12 months, another between ages 3 and 5, before first grade and every year through the school years.

My child can’t read yet. Can they still have an eye exam?

Yes. Young children are tested with pictures, lights, toys and simple tests that don’t require knowing letters.

Will my child’s eyes be dilated?

Often, yes. Dilating drops let the doctor see the whole inside of the eye and measure the prescription accurately. Vision may be blurry and light-sensitive for several hours.