At Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center we treat members of the whole family, including children. While your child will receive vision screenings at school and during pediatrician visits, it is also recommended that children have regular eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist following this schedule:
- 6 months of age
- Age 3
- Before starting school
- Every 1-2 years while they are in school
If any developmental or refractive problems are detected, more frequent appointments may be warranted. If you have a family history of eye disease or if your child is displaying symptoms of a vision problem, schedule an eye exam for your child right away so treatment can be started if necessary.
Pediatric Vision Problems
Our doctors offer routine and advanced pediatric eye care in Atlanta to help children see better to improve their chances of learning success. In addition to vision testing and prescribing glasses, they can diagnose and treat:
- Eye alignment problems (strabismus)
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Congenital cataracts
We also have an Optical Center onsite to fill your child’s prescription and help them choose a frame that matches their personality and activity level.
Warning Signs of Eye Problems in Children
It’s not always easy to know when your child is having vision problems. Pay attention to these warning signs:
- Holding a book close to read
- Squinting or tilting their head to see
- Frequent headaches
- Light sensitivity
- Poor grades in school
- Rubbing the eyes
- Avoidance of physical activities
The sooner a child’s eye problem is identified and corrected, the happier the child will be.
Contact us today to schedule your child’s pediatric eye exam or to learn more about our Atlanta pediatric eye doctors.
Pediatric Eye Care FAQs
When should my child have their first eye exam?
Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at around 6 months of age, followed by another exam at age 3, before starting school, and then every one to two years during school. More frequent visits may be recommended if a vision problem is detected.
Why does my child need an eye exam if they already have school vision screenings?
School and pediatrician vision screenings are helpful but limited. A comprehensive eye exam can detect conditions like eye alignment problems, lazy eye, and refractive errors that screenings may miss.
What vision problems can pediatric eye exams detect?
Pediatric eye exams can identify conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus (eye alignment issues), amblyopia (lazy eye), and congenital cataracts. Early diagnosis allows for more effective treatment.
What are common warning signs of vision problems in children?
Warning signs include squinting, holding books close, frequent headaches, light sensitivity, rubbing the eyes, poor school performance, tilting the head to see, and avoiding physical activities.
How can vision problems affect my child’s learning?
Clear vision is essential for reading, writing, and classroom participation. Undiagnosed vision issues can make learning more difficult and may impact academic performance and confidence.
Do you offer glasses for children?
Yes. Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center has an onsite Optical Center where children can be fitted for glasses and choose frames that match their personality and activity level.