Children's vision problems are surprisingly common — and surprisingly easy to miss. Kids often don't realize their vision is blurry because they have no reference point for what "normal" vision looks like. That's why routine pediatric eye exams are so important, and why parents shouldn't wait for their child to complain about their eyes before scheduling one.
Here's what you need to know about keeping your child's vision healthy from infancy through their teenage years.
When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends the following schedule:
School vision screenings are not a substitute for a full eye exam. They catch some problems but miss many others, particularly issues with focusing and eye teaming that can significantly affect a child's ability to learn.
Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
Children rarely say "I can't see clearly." Instead, look for:
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it's worth scheduling an eye exam sooner rather than waiting.
What Is Myopia, and Why Are More Kids Getting It?
Myopia — or nearsightedness — is becoming increasingly common in children, and it tends to worsen throughout childhood if left untreated. Children who spend a lot of time on screens and less time outdoors are at higher risk.
Beyond glasses and contacts, there are now effective myopia control treatments — including specialized contact lenses and prescription eye drops — that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. Early intervention matters: the sooner myopia is identified, the more we can do to slow it down.
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia or you have a family history of it, talk to Dr. Lipe about myopia control options at your next visit.
What to Expect at a Pediatric Eye Exam at Elite Eyecare
At Elite Eyecare, we see patients of all ages — including young children. Dr. Lipe uses age-appropriate testing techniques to evaluate vision in kids who can't yet read a standard eye chart. Pediatric eye exams are thorough but designed to feel relaxed and non-intimidating, even for younger patients.
A typical exam includes checking visual acuity, evaluating how the eyes work together, assessing eye health, and determining whether a prescription for glasses or contacts is needed.
Ready to Schedule Your Child's Eye Exam in Nashville?
Don't wait for a school screening to catch a problem that's already affecting your child's learning and development. Schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam at Elite Eyecare today.
We're located at 5300 Centennial Blvd, Suite 107, Nashville, TN 37209. Call or text us at (615) 249-4926 or book an appointment online. We're currently accepting new patients of all ages.
