Parents want their children to be healthy and set up for success, and that includes taking care of their vision. At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we offer pediatric eye exams in Liberal, Kansas, to ensure your child’s eyes are developing properly and to detect any potential issues early on.

Our pediatric optometrists work with kids all the time, so we know how to put children at ease and ensure a positive experience. And, if they need to wear glasses, we offer a range of styles and colors, so they can find the best pair to fit their personality!  

 When does your child need to visit the eye doctor?  

Children should have their first eye exam at 6 months, a second exam at three years old, and again before they enter kindergarten. Once they reach school age, they should get an eye exam every two years if they don’t need vision correction. Children who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses should see an eye doctor once a year or as recommended by their optometrist.  

What to expect during a kid’s eye exam

The tests included in a pediatric eye exam will vary based on your child’s age, eye health, and specific visual needs. All exams include a review of medical and vision history, vision testing, an assessment to determine if eyeglasses are needed, an eye alignment test, and an eye health evaluation.  We may also recommend myopia management to slow its progression and protect your child’s future eyesight.

Why are eye exams important for children?    

It’s important for children to get regular comprehensive eye exams, as many vision problems and eye diseases can and should be detected and treated early. Children rely heavily on their vision to learn. Eighty percent of all learning is visual, which means children with vision problems often struggle in school.

Pediatric eye exams ensure children have the following visual skills necessary for effective reading and writing:    

• Excellent near and distance vision.    
• Comfortable and correct “eye teaming,” which means the eyes work well together and can focus on the same place in space.    
• The ability to adjust focus to see clearly at different distances.  
• Accurate eye movement skills, such as the ability to read a line of text.    

What are the signs of vision problems in children?    

Children don’t always tell you when they are having vision problems, and some children think everyone sees the way they do. That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs that your child may be experiencing vision problems. 

Here are some common signs of vision problems in children: 

• Frequent blinking, squinting, or irregular eye movements    
• Frequently turning or tilting their head  
• Covering or closing one eye to see better  
• Poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills  
• Rubbing their eyes frequently  
• Frequent headaches   
• Leaning in too close to see something or read  
• Learning difficulties and poor handwriting     

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important to schedule a pediatric eye exam with our eye doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of vision problems can help ensure that your child’s vision is as healthy as possible. 

Schedule a pediatric eye exam in Liberal, KS 

If you haven’t taken your child to the eye doctor in a while, now is the time to book an appointment with our pediatric optometrists in Liberal, Kansas! Contact us today to schedule your child’s eye exam.