Children rarely tell you their vision is unclear — they simply assume everyone sees the way they do. That is why regular eye exams matter so much for children: most childhood vision problems are common, easy to miss at home, and much easier to manage when they are found early.
When to book the first exam
Eye care organizations recommend a first comprehensive eye exam at about 6 months of age, another at around age 3, and one before starting school. After that, most children should be checked every one to two years — or more often if a problem is found. If your child has a family history of eye problems, or was born prematurely, an optometrist may suggest earlier or more frequent checks.
Signs your child may need an eye exam
- Squinting, or tilting their head to see
- Sitting very close to the television or holding books and screens very close
- Rubbing their eyes often, or complaining of tired eyes
- Headaches after school or after reading
- Losing their place while reading, or using a finger to follow the line
- Covering one eye to see better
- One eye turning in or out
- Avoiding reading or close work, or struggling at school
Any of these is worth an eye exam. Many children with a vision problem simply adapt to seeing less clearly and never complain.
Common childhood vision problems
- Refractive errors — nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are all common in children and are corrected with glasses.
- Amblyopia (lazy eye) — one eye sees less clearly than the other, and the brain starts to favour the stronger eye. It responds best to early treatment, which is why checks before school matter.
- Strabismus (crossed eyes) — the eyes do not point in the same direction. It is often noticed in young children and should be checked promptly.
- Colour vision differences — usually picked up during screening, and worth knowing about so teachers and parents can adapt.
What happens at a children’s eye exam
Nothing in an eye exam hurts. For children who cannot yet read letters, the optometrist uses pictures or shapes instead of a letter chart. The exam checks how clearly each eye sees, how the eyes work together, and the health of the eyes. The optometrist may use drops to look at the back of the eye, and if glasses are needed, they will explain the prescription to you and your child.
Choosing glasses for kids
- Choose light, flexible frames that fit well and stay in place.
- Ask about impact-resistant lenses for play and sport.
- Let your child choose a colour or style they like — they are far more likely to wear glasses they helped pick.
- Expect regular adjustments and replacements as they grow; a spare pair is worth keeping.
FrameAura’s kids’ eyeglasses include flexible, comfortable frames made for everyday wear — browse the range or message us on WhatsApp at +92 328 9695238 and we will help you find a pair your child will actually enjoy wearing.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s eyesight, see an optometrist or eye care professional.