Eyes are one of the most important sense organs. According to experts, 5% to 10% of preschoolers and 25% of school-aged children suffer from vision problems. Therefore, routine eye exams for children are important to identify any problem associated with their vision. Vision problems that are identified early have a better chance of being treated successfully.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), “infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Children then should receive additional eye exams at 3 years of age, and just before they enter kindergarten or the first grade at about age 5 or 6. For school-aged children, the AOA recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually or according to their eye doctor’s recommendations.”

Eye exams conducted in schools are not enough to detect vision issues. So, it is important for parents to get their children examined by an eye doctor. It is also important for parents to know the difference between an eye exam and a sight exam. A sight test is only a limited exam of vision performed using automated equipment, whereas a comprehensive eye exam is performed by an eye doctor who looks at the entire eye and vision system. An eye exam is an important part of preventive health care that can help in determining underlying ailments.

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