Why are eye exams important for children?

To give your child the best start at developing strong and healthy eyes, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends following the following exam schedule for children based on their age and visual milestones.


Myopia & children

Refractive errors are one of the most common vision problems children experience. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the inability to see distant objects clearly. This refractive error generally first develops in school-aged children and can progress as their eyes continue to grow, up to the age of 20.

There are some risks associated with high-myopia, so doctors are very interested in myopia control. At Ideal Optical, we can recommend various myopia control methods, ranging from environmental to daily habits to eyeglasses.

Symptoms of childhood vision problems

Even if your child’s eyes seem healthy and their eyesight is stable, they should undergo routine eye exams to check for potential vision problems. But it may not always be obvious when your child has a vision problem. You can watch for the following signs that may indicate that your child has a visual problem:

  • An eye turning in or out
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Squinting, rubbing, or covering one or both eyes
  • Excessive blinking
  • Red, itchy, or watery eyes
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Irritability or short attention span
  • Holding objects too close
  • Sitting too close to the TV
  • Avoiding books or close work
  • Headaches

Start your child on a Visual journey

Allow us to help foster a respect for ocular health in your child — book their eye appointment today!