
Detecting Vision Problems Early
Did you know that 1 in 4 children has an undiagnosed vision problem? Unfortunately, many children don’t even realize they have a vision problem because they don’t know how to describe it or assume everyone sees the world the way they do.
Vision is critical to a child’s development, affecting their ability to learn, play, and interact with the world. We proudly offer thorough pediatric eye exams designed to detect and manage vision problems early, ensuring your child enjoys clear vision and healthy eyes as they grow.
Does Your Child Have a Vision Problem?
Since children often can’t express vision issues the way adults can, it’s up to parents to watch for signs that may indicate a problem. Here are some common behaviors that could suggest your child is struggling with their vision:
- Squinting or tilting their head when trying to focus on distant objects.
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close to their faces.
- Complaining of headaches or eyestrain, especially after screen time.
- Frequently rubbing their eyes or blinking more than usual.
- Difficulty concentrating in school, reading, or doing homework.
- Clumsiness or difficulty with hand-eye coordination in sports or other activities.
If your child shows any of these signs, it’s essential to have their eyes examined by a pediatric eye doctor.


Common Eye Conditions in Children
Children can experience various eye conditions, and early detection is crucial to managing these issues effectively. Some of the most common eye conditions in children include:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
- Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Difficulty seeing close objects clearly.
- Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision due to irregularly shaped corneas.
- Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Misalignment of the eyes that can affect depth perception and lead to vision problems if untreated.
- Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Decreased vision in one eye due to the brain favoring the other eye, often linked to strabismus.
- Convergence Insufficiency: Difficulty keeping both eyes working together when focusing on close tasks like reading.
Regular Eye Exams
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends regular eye exams for children to monitor vision development and catch issues before they affect learning. As your child grows, their eyes go through several stages of development, which makes regular check-ups essential.
- Infants (6-12 months): The first eye exam should be between 6 and 12 months to check for early signs of eye health issues or developmental concerns.
- Preschool (3-5 years): At this age, vision problems may become more apparent as children start actively using their vision in learning and play. Detecting issues like myopia or amblyopia early can prevent long-term complications.
- School Age (6-18 years): Vision can change rapidly as children grow. Regular exams ensure their prescription is up-to-date and that they are seeing clearly for school and extracurricular activities.

Our Pediatric Eye Exams
At Lakeside Eye Associates, we’re known for our thorough and personalized eye exams—patients always mention how much more thorough it felt than any exam they've ever had. Our pediatric eye exams are comprehensive and comfortable for children of all ages. Here’s what you can expect when your child comes in for an exam:
Vision Testing
We use age-appropriate tools and tests to measure your child’s visual acuity, checking for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Eye Movement Testing
We assess how well your child’s eyes track and focus on moving objects, ensuring their eyes are working together effectively.
Eye Alignment Test
We check for signs of strabismus (crossed eyes) or other alignment issues that could affect your child’s depth perception and coordination.
Pupil Response
By shining a light into your child’s eyes, we test how their pupils react to changes in light and check for any signs of neurological issues.
Retinal Examination
Using advanced technology, we examine the retina at the back of your child’s eyes to check for any signs of health issues or disease.
Prescription Check
If your child needs corrective lenses, we’ll determine the right prescription to ensure they see clearly and comfortably.