*Updated June 2025
You know they should visit the dentist twice a year for preventive check-ups, but did you know that annual comprehensive eye exams are equally as important for kids’ vision?
Approximately 625,000 children in the United States have been diagnosed with a vision or eye condition, according to the American Foundation for the Blind. However, there are many children with undiagnosed vision problems who may be suffering in silence from side effects including headaches, short attention spans, fatigue, difficulty in school, and more.
It’s important to visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam, not just a vision screening, every year to protect your kids’ vision and detect and treat any problems early.
Comprehensive eye exams are vital for vision and eye health
Comprehensive eye exams play a crucial role in protecting children’s vision. Unlike basic vision screenings, these in-depth exams provide a complete picture of eye health. During a comprehensive exam, an eye doctor evaluates key aspects such as visual acuity, eye function, corneal curvature, refraction, and overall eye health. They also track your child’s vision over time, helping detect and address any changes early, before they impact learning or development.
Although typically not a concern for young children, comprehensive eye exams can reveal early warning signs of more serious overall health conditions. An eye doctor can detect signs of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and even diabetes. They also check for things like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other vision impairments.
Comprehensive eye exams help keep track of vision changes
Comprehensive eye exams serve as an opportunity to learn exactly how well, or not well, your child can see. It’s common for someone to think they have perfect eyesight right up until they get a pair of glasses or contact lenses. This is especially true for children, as they might not realize they are experiencing vision problems.
Getting into an eye doctor early can help save time spent squinting and struggling to see while offering a chance to get the proper vision correctors if needed.
Protect your children’s vision with annual comprehensive eye exams
The American Optometric Association recommends that infants should have an initial eye exam between six and 12 months of age. Preschoolers, aged three to five, should be seen once. When a child enters school, or at about six years of age, annual exams are encouraged.
If you suspect a vision injury or potential loss of eyesight, or your child complains about blurred vision, visit your provider as soon as possible.
Vision insurance from Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut helps keep your family’s eyes healthy
Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut offers DeltaVision plans for individuals and for employers. These plans cover exams, frames, contact lenses, and even laser correction procedures, as well as discounts on lenses, at participating providers.
Find a DeltaVision provider today.
Interested in learning more about DeltaVision? Click here.
