Pediatric Eye Exams in Des Moines
Help your child achieve their best vision with comprehensive, child-friendly eye exams at Westrum Optometry. Our team provides personalized care that supports your child’s vision health from their early years onward.
Why Pediatric Eye Exams Matter
Children’s vision develops rapidly, and regular eye exams support their growth and learning. We believe early detection of vision issues can make a lasting difference in your child’s life. By identifying and addressing visual challenges early, we help children build the visual skills they need to succeed in school and daily activities.
Our pediatric eye exams go beyond basic vision checks. We screen for conditions affecting learning and overall development, allowing us to recommend personalized treatments when necessary. Our gentle, patient-centered approach makes the eye exam experience comfortable, engaging, and informative for both children and parents.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
Children may not always realize they have vision problems, so it’s essential to watch for signs that show they may need an eye exam. Some of the most common indicators include:
Squinting or Tilting the Head: Squinting or tilting can suggest difficulty seeing clearly and could show a refractive error or alignment issue.
Holding Books or Screens Close: If your child frequently holds items very close to their face, they may struggle with nearsightedness.
Frequent Eye Rubbing: Eye rubbing often points to eye strain or discomfort, which could be because of undiagnosed vision problems.
Difficulty Concentrating or Reading: Vision issues can make it challenging for children to concentrate, particularly with close-up tasks like reading.
If you notice any of these behaviors, consider scheduling an eye exam. By addressing vision concerns early, we can provide solutions that support your child’s ability to learn and enjoy their daily activities.
When Should Children Have Eye Exams?
The American Optometric Association recommends the following ages for children’s eye exams to promote healthy vision development:
Infants: An eye check-up around 6 months of age ensures that your child’s vision is developing normally. This early assessment can identify any potential problems before they affect visual development.
Preschoolers (3–5 years): At this stage, an exam checks for early signs of conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes). Catching these issues early allows us to treat them before they interfere with learning and growth.
School Age (6+ years): Annual eye exams during school years help detect refractive errors, monitor vision changes, and support academic success. Regular exams ensure that your child’s vision develops healthily as they grow.
Our team at Westrum Optometry tailors each exam to your child’s age and development, providing targeted care that supports clear, healthy vision from infancy through adolescence.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Eye Exam at Westrum Optometry
We want you and your child to feel comfortable and informed throughout the eye exam process. Here’s what to expect during your child’s exam:
Initial Screening: We start with a vision check, using engaging visuals and kid-friendly charts to assess how well your child sees at various distances. This screening identifies any immediate visual concerns and sets a baseline for their eye health.
Eye Alignment and Focus: Our optometrists check for alignment issues like lazy eye (amblyopia) and assess your child’s focusing abilities, evaluating how well their eyes work together for near and far vision.
Eye Health Assessment: Using gentle techniques suited for young patients, we examine your child’s eye health to detect early signs of conditions that may affect vision development. We keep the experience engaging and child-friendly to help them feel at ease.
Interactive Q&A: We invite children to ask questions and participate actively during their exam. This interactive approach makes the experience enjoyable and helps children understand why caring for their eyes is essential.
Our approach prioritizes a supportive environment that helps children relax and ensures parents feel informed about their child’s vision health.
Common Pediatric Vision Conditions We Screen For
Our pediatric eye exams screen for common vision conditions that may affect children, including:
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Early detection and treatment allow both eyes to work together, supporting healthy visual development.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): Misaligned eyes can affect depth perception and learning, making early diagnosis and intervention essential.
Refractive Errors: Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are common among children and are correctable with the right treatment.
Each exam addresses your child’s needs and detects issues that may interfere with their learning and growth. We can offer treatments that support clear, comfortable vision with early intervention.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam in Des Moines
Protecting your child’s vision is one of the best investments in their future. Schedule their eye exam with our team at Westrum Optometry, where compassionate, thorough care meets innovative technology.
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Schedule your eye exam today!