The excitement of a new school year often comes with new clothes, fresh supplies, and a packed calendar of activities. But one important back-to-school task that’s sometimes overlooked is a comprehensive eye exam. Clear vision plays a crucial role in your child’s academic success, and undetected vision issues can lead to struggles in the classroom.
Dr. Whaley recommends scheduling the first eye exam at six months of age, followed by another at age three, and yearly checkups starting at school age. These early visits help ensure your child’s vision is developing normally and catch issues before they impact learning.
Why Early and Regular Eye Exams Matter
Many parents assume their child’s vision is fine if they’re not complaining, but children often don’t realize they’re seeing the world differently. As Dr. Whaley explains, “They’ll never tell you they have a problem. They just assume that everybody sees the way that they do.”
Regular comprehensive exams—not just school or pediatrician screenings—are essential. Screenings are useful for spotting nearsightedness, but they often miss conditions like farsightedness and astigmatism, both of which can affect reading and overall school performance.
How Exams Work for Younger Children
Parents sometimes wonder how an eye exam works if their child can’t read letters yet. The good news is that today’s advanced technology makes it possible to assess vision even in nonverbal children. Using specialized equipment, optometrists can measure a child’s prescription with high accuracy—even if they “give the silent treatment” during the appointment.
The Role of Genetics in Vision
If you or your spouse wears glasses, your child may be more likely to need them too. There’s a strong genetic component to vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The encouraging news is that if a child starts showing early signs of these conditions, there are steps we can take to slow or even halt their progression.
How Lifestyle Affects Vision
In today’s world, it’s easy for children to spend most of their free time indoors with screens. Too much device use can contribute to vision issues and eye strain. Dr. Whaley recommends at least two hours of outdoor play daily—riding bikes, playing sports, or simply running around the yard—and taking regular breaks during screen time to rest the eyes and focus on distant objects.
Schedule Your Child’s Back-to-School Eye Exam in Tallahassee
We know that healthy vision is essential for your child’s confidence and success in the classroom. At Tallahassee Eye Center, our expert team provides comprehensive pediatric eye exams using advanced technology tailored to children of all ages.
Ensure your child starts the school year with the clear vision they deserve. Call us today at 850-216-2020 or visit us in Tallahassee, Florida to book your appointment. Our office is located at 2858 Mahan Drive, Suite 4, Tallahassee, FL, and we look forward to welcoming your family.
FAQs
When should my child have their first eye exam?
Dr. Whaley recommends a first exam at six months, followed by one at age three, then yearly thereafter.
Do school vision screenings count as an eye exam?
No, they only catch certain issues and can miss others like farsightedness or astigmatism.
How can you check vision if my child can’t read letters?
Specialized technology allows accurate assessment without requiring verbal responses.
Does screen time affect my child’s eyes?
Yes, it can. Limiting screen use and encouraging outdoor play helps protect vision.