Many parents assume that if their child can read a book or see the board at school, there’s no need for an eye exam. But at True Vision, we know that healthy eyesight is more than just clear vision.
Comprehensive eye exams help detect hidden issues early—before they affect learning, development, or quality of life. Our pediatric optometrists in Lancaster specialize in identifying and managing vision problems in children of all ages.
Growing Eyes Mean Changing Vision
Children’s eyes are still developing, which means their vision can change rapidly. Conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism often appear between routine checkups and may go unnoticed by parents or teachers.
Scheduling regular eye exams allows us to track these changes and offer timely treatment—such as glasses, vision therapy, or lifestyle recommendations—to prevent academic or behavioral setbacks.
Children May Not Recognize Vision Problems
Most children don’t have the words—or the awareness—to describe vision issues. They might assume everyone sees the way they do, even if their sight is blurry or one eye isn’t working properly.
Signs of a potential vision issue include:
- Squinting or covering one eye
- Head tilting while reading or watching screens
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Difficulty focusing or sitting still in class
Sometimes, what appears to be a learning or attention issue is actually a vision problem. A comprehensive eye exam helps determine the cause and guides the best course of care.
School Screenings Are Not Enough
Vision screenings offered at schools can catch some problems—but they often miss key aspects of eye health. These quick checks typically assess only distance vision and do not evaluate:
- How well the eyes work together (binocular vision)
- The ability to focus up close
- Overall eye health and internal structures
Children may also "pass" these screenings by guessing or memorizing letters. Only a full eye exam at True Vision provides a complete picture of your child’s visual system.
Eye Conditions Can Occur Without Family History
It’s a common misconception that eye issues only run in families. In reality, children with no known family history can still develop conditions such as:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (eye turn)
- Pediatric cataracts or retinal concerns
These issues are most treatable when detected early. Our pediatric eye doctors in Lancaster use child-friendly diagnostic tools to identify these conditions in their earliest stages.
Prioritize Early Eye Exams for Long-Term Vision Health
At True Vision, we believe every child deserves a clear start in life. We create a welcoming, supportive environment for young patients and their families, making vision care simple and stress-free.
Whether your child is preparing for preschool or already in middle school, our eye care team offers expert guidance, early intervention, and ongoing support for their vision health.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam in Lancaster
Even if your child isn’t complaining about their vision, it’s important to schedule routine eye exams to catch potential problems early.
Book your child’s comprehensive eye exam with True Vision today. We proudly serve families throughout Lancaster and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
We recommend a child’s first eye exam around 6–12 months of age, again at age 3, and before starting kindergarten. Annual exams should follow unless otherwise advised.
What’s the difference between a school screening and a full eye exam?
School screenings only check distance vision and can miss significant issues. A comprehensive exam evaluates all visual functions and checks for underlying eye health concerns.
What are signs my child might have a vision problem?
Look for squinting, covering one eye, sitting very close to screens, struggling with reading, or frequent headaches. These may indicate the need for an exam.
How often should kids have eye exams?
Most children should have yearly exams. If your child wears glasses or has a diagnosed condition, your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits.