Children’s Eye Exams | DeWitt Eyecare

Protect Your Child’s Vision

A visit to DeWitt Eyecare is a trip your child can look forward to.

Your child’s eyes help them discover the world, and we help ensure their eyes are functioning to the best of their ability. A comprehensive eye exam can help detect issues your child may not be able to express themselves because they don’t have context for what clear vision looks like.

Help your child achieve visual success and book their next appointment today.

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When to Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exams

Your child’s eyes continue to grow and develop along with the rest of their body. Visiting us for a comprehensive eye exam will monitor if their eyes develop properly and they achieve important visual milestones throughout childhood. According to the American Optometric Association, you should schedule an eye exam for your little one at certain ages:

Birth–2: your child should have their first eye exam between 6–12 months of age
3–5: your child should visit us for at least one eye exam
6–17: visit us for an exam once before starting the first grade and once a year after that

We may recommend more frequent eye exams if your child is at risk for an eye condition or disease. Risk factors can include:

Family history of refractive errors
Strabismus
Anisometropia
Systemic health conditions
Prematurity or low birth weight
Cortical visual impairment
Poor academic performance

Myopia in Children

Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is an eye condition often found in children between the ages of 8 and 12. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to bend and focus in front of the retina. Objects up close can be seen clearly, while objects in the distance appear blurry.

If you notice your child squinting, complaining of frequent headaches, or needing to sit closer to the TV or at the front of the classroom, it’s time to book an appointment with your eye doctor.

We’ll accurately assess your child’s eyes to determine an appropriate form of treatment for their unique eyes and lifestyle. Myopia control methods are available to help slow its progression and help your child learn, grow, and play.

How Vision Is Linked to Learning

Your child’s eyes are essential to their success in the classroom. In fact, around 80% of learning is presented visually. When their eyes aren’t functioning correctly, everything from seeing the board to reading comprehension becomes more difficult. Learning-related vision problems can include refractive errors, functional vision problems, and perception issues.

Refractive Errors

During your child’s comprehensive eye exam, we’ll test their visual acuity. This test will determine their prescription in each eye and if any refractive errors are present. Refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

Solutions are available to help your child succeed in school. We offer myopia management as well as corrective eyewear and contact lenses so your child can see their best in the classroom.

Functional Vision Problems

When your child visits us for an eye exam, we’ll test their functional vision. This includes testing how the eyes work together, focusing ability, and eye-tracking. These visual skills help your child read effectively without blurred vision or eye strain.

Visual Perception Issues

Visual perception is how well your brain interprets what you see. This skill is important when identifying words and images. The better visual perception your child has, the easier it will be to comprehend what they’re learning.

See the Bright Future Ahead

At DeWitt Eyecare, we’re passionate about caring for your child’s vision. We offer care throughout their childhood and into adulthood to help them see clearly. Discover success in and out of the classroom. Visit us today!

Request an Appointment