Why Children Need Comprehensive Eye Exams

A school vision screening can flag certain concerns, but it does not replace a comprehensive eye exam. Even children who read an eye chart clearly may have difficulty focusing or using their eyes together. Our exams evaluate vision and eye health to help determine whether your child needs glasses, monitoring, or additional care.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam

We review your child's health history, family eye history, and any concerns you or their teachers have noticed. Using tests suited to your child's age and abilities, we assess visual clarity, eye alignment, focusing, and eye movements. We also examine eye health and check for conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Your child does not need to know the alphabet to have an eye exam. We explain our findings and discuss any recommended next steps with you.

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

Contact our Westminster office if you notice:

Squinting or difficulty seeing distant objects

Holding books or screens unusually close

Frequent headaches or eye discomfort during close work

Covering one eye or tilting the head to see

An eye that turns inward or outward

These signs can have different causes. A pediatric eye exam helps us determine whether a vision problem is contributing.

Monitoring Nearsightedness as Children Grow

Myopia, or nearsightedness, often develops during childhood and can progress as children grow. At EyeSight Eyecare, we monitor prescription changes and offer myopia management for suitable candidates. Dr. Ryan Smedley can discuss options designed to slow progression based on your child's age, prescription, and needs. Regular follow-up visits help us assess how the plan is working.

Planning Your Child's Ongoing Eye Care

The American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months, at least once between ages 3 and 5, and before first grade, followed by annual exams during the school years. We can help you plan an appropriate schedule, with earlier or more frequent visits when symptoms or risk factors warrant.

Give your child's developing vision the attention it deserves. Schedule pediatric eye care with EyeSight Eyecare at 5191 W 112th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031, or call (303) 466-9326 to book an appointment.