When should I have my child's eyes examined?

This is an important question that needs to be explained. A simple answer to your question is really anytime. We even examine infants' eyes here at the office. If there's a history of strabismus (eye turn), high astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia we will often do an eye exam around 2 to 3 years of age.

More routine exams should start around 4 to 5 years of age. Sometimes parents may confuse a visual acuity screening with an eye exam. This is where the child will be asked to read the letters on a chart at the doctors office or at a school screening. This is not an eye exam!  While this is useful and good it primarily picks up myopia. About 1 in 3 cases that need glasses will be missed. These missed cases include things like astigmatism or hyperopia. These are problems that can definitely affect your child's performance at school.

I think an easy rule of thumb to remember is, if your child is old enough to go to school they should get an eye exam every year. If there's a history of unusual eye problems in the family bring your child in sooner.

Take advantage of summer break--get your child's eyes checked so they can start the new school year with perfect vision at Drboyeroptometrist.com