As a parent, your child’s health and development are top priorities—and that includes their vision. But young children rarely know how to express when something feels “off” with their sight. Many assume blurry or strained vision is normal simply because it’s all they’ve ever known.
At Delran Eye Associates, Dr. Laura specializes in pediatric eye care and sees this often. She emphasizes that early detection and routine eye exams are key to helping children see clearly, learn confidently, and thrive.
Here are the signs to watch for and what to expect during a child’s eye exam with Dr. Laura.
Common Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
Children don’t always verbalize vision issues, but their behavior often reveals them. According to Dr. Laura, here are some of the most common red flags:
- Squinting when reading or looking at distant objects
- Holding books, tablets, or toys very close to the face
- Sitting extremely close to the TV
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Unexplained headaches, especially after reading
- Clumsiness or bumping into objects
- One eye drifting or not aligning properly
These symptoms may point to nearsightedness, focusing issues, or eye coordination problems. Even subtle behaviors should be evaluated, as children tend to adapt instead of complain.
What If My Child Hasn’t Said Anything?
It’s common for parents to be unaware their child has a vision problem, especially if the child hasn’t said anything. Dr. Laura explains, “Kids don’t know what clear vision should look like. They often assume what they see is normal.”
That’s why pediatric eye exams are so important. They allow optometrists to detect issues that children may not recognize or express on their own.
How Vision Issues Can Affect School Performance
Uncorrected vision problems can directly impact learning—particularly when reading becomes central to schoolwork. Dr. Laura frequently sees the following school-related symptoms tied to visual challenges:
- Avoiding reading or writing tasks
- Losing their place while reading
- Slow reading speed
- Complaints of eye strain or headaches
- Difficulty focusing or following instructions
- Behavioral signs that resemble frustration or inattention
When a child struggles to see the board or read comfortably, it can affect not only their academics but also their self-esteem.
When Should a Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
At Delran Eye Associates, Dr. Laura welcomes children as young as two years old, especially if there are noticeable concerns. For most children, a comprehensive eye exam between ages 4 and 5—before starting kindergarten—is ideal.
Early exams establish a baseline for vision health and help prevent problems from interfering with a child’s development.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam
Dr. Laura focuses on making eye exams engaging, comfortable, and age-appropriate. Each pediatric visit is tailored to the child’s needs and typically includes:
- A discussion about visual behaviors and symptoms
- Visual acuity testing using shapes, pictures, or letters
- An autorefractor to estimate the child’s prescription
- Retinoscopy to confirm the prescription without relying on responses
- Binocular vision testing to evaluate eye coordination
- A full eye health exam to check the retina and optic nerves
These tools allow Dr. Laura to assess vision accurately, even in children who are too young to describe what they see.
How Long Does a Child’s Eye Exam Take?
Most pediatric eye exams at Delran Eye Associates are completed in under 30 minutes. Dr. Laura keeps the process efficient to help children stay relaxed and engaged. In many cases, dilation isn’t needed unless a more detailed view of the eye’s internal structures is required.
Pediatric Tools and Treatments
For children with eye-teaming or focusing issues, Dr. Laura may use a variety of child-friendly tools and methods to ensure precise care, including:
- Dilating drops to assess focusing ability when necessary
- Autorefractor and retinoscopy for objective prescription results
- Fun visual targets to evaluate alignment and tracking
- Visual acuity tests adapted for young children
These strategies allow for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment recommendations, even for non-verbal or shy children.
Why Early Vision Care Matters
Children learn and explore the world primarily through their vision. Even minor vision issues can influence how they read, play, interact, and feel. Dr. Laura encourages parents not to wait for complaints—early care ensures your child starts life with the clearest view possible.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam in Delran
Whether you’ve noticed symptoms or it’s time for your child’s yearly checkup, Delran Eye Associates offers expert pediatric vision care in Delran. Dr. Laura provides comprehensive, compassionate eye exams designed to detect and treat vision issues before they affect learning or development.
Searching for the “best eye doctor in Delran” or an “optometrist near me” who specializes in children’s vision? Contact Delran Eye Associates today to schedule your child’s eye exam.
FAQs: Children’s Vision and Eye Exams
How often should my child have an eye exam?
Children should have an initial exam by age 4–5, then annually throughout their school years, or as recommended by the optometrist.
Can vision problems be mistaken for learning or attention issues?
Yes. Poor vision can mimic symptoms of ADHD or learning challenges. A comprehensive eye exam can help determine if vision is contributing to academic struggles.
Do you offer children’s glasses?
Absolutely. Delran Eye Associates carries a wide selection of stylish, durable frames designed specifically for children’s needs.