Good vision plays a vital role in your child’s development, learning, and overall quality of life. Yet many vision issues in children go unnoticed simply because kids don’t know their sight could be better. A proactive approach to eye care—starting from infancy—can make all the difference in preserving healthy eyesight and preventing long-term problems.
Dr. Whaley recommends scheduling the first eye exam at six months, another at age three, and yearly exams thereafter. This schedule allows for early detection of conditions that may not show obvious signs but can still impact learning and development.
Start Eye Exams Early
Dr. Whaley shares, “They’ll never tell you they have a problem. They just assume that everybody sees the way that they do.” Because many children won’t complain about their vision, early comprehensive eye exams are essential. Unlike school or pediatrician screenings, these exams can detect conditions that often go unnoticed until they affect reading or schoolwork.
Make Exams Comfortable for Younger Kids
Parents often wonder how an eye exam works for toddlers who don’t yet know their letters. With advanced technology, optometrists can accurately measure prescriptions without needing verbal responses. Even if your child stays quiet during the visit, we can still determine whether they need glasses with a high degree of accuracy.
Encourage Healthy Visual Habits at Home
Daily routines can have a big impact on your child’s eye health. Make sure homework and reading are done in well-lit spaces, and position screens at least arm’s length away. Encourage them to follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. These small habits can help reduce eye strain and support long-term visual comfort.
Balance Screen Time with Outdoor Play
Too much screen time can contribute to eye strain and vision issues in children. Dr. Whaley advises at least two hours of outdoor activity daily—playing sports, riding bikes, or just enjoying the backyard. When screen use is necessary, encourage frequent breaks to focus on distant objects, giving the eyes a chance to relax.
Watch for Subtle Signs
While some vision problems are obvious—like sitting too close to the TV or squinting—others may have no symptoms at all. Changes in school performance, avoiding reading, or rubbing the eyes frequently can all indicate vision trouble. Even without these signs, annual checkups remain important for catching hidden issues before they interfere with learning.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam in Tallahassee
Your child’s vision is too important to leave to chance. At Tallahassee Eye Center, we offer comprehensive pediatric eye exams, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalized care to help your child see clearly at every stage of life.
Call us today at 850-216-2020 or visit us in Tallahassee, Florida to book your child’s appointment. Our office is located at 2858 Mahan Drive, Suite 4, Tallahassee, FL, and we look forward to helping your family maintain healthy vision for years to come.
FAQs
What can I do at home to reduce my child’s risk of eye strain?
Ensure good lighting for reading and homework, limit prolonged screen use, and encourage frequent breaks to focus on distant objects.
Are there activities that help strengthen my child’s vision?
Yes. Outdoor play, sports, and activities that involve focusing on objects at varying distances can all support healthy vision.
How often should I replace my child’s glasses if their prescription changes?
Any time your child’s prescription changes, their glasses should be updated promptly to ensure optimal vision and comfort.