Many families in Myrtle Beach wait until their child starts school to schedule that first eye exam, but vision problems can develop far earlier. The truth is, children should have their eyes checked long before they can read a chalkboard.  

At Advanced Eye Care, we specialize in pediatric eye care for infants, toddlers, and children, using a friendly, age-appropriate approach to catch issues early and keep young eyes healthy as they grow. 

The Importance of Early Eye Exams 

Good vision is key to how your child learns and interacts with the world, from recognizing faces and crawling toward toys to reading, writing, and exploring the classroom. Yet many vision issues begin long before a child can verbalize a problem, which is why the American Optometric Association recommends a child’s first comprehensive eye exam as early as 6 to 12 months. 

Common childhood conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), and refractive errors (like nearsightedness or farsightedness) are often easy to treat if caught early. However, they can lead to lifelong vision challenges when left unaddressed. 

When to Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam 

Here’s a general timeline most optometrists recommend for pediatric eye exams: 

• 6–12 months: First infant eye exam to assess eye alignment, prescription, and overall development. 
• Around age 3: Follow-up exam to evaluate visual acuity, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination. 
• Before kindergarten (ages 5–6): Ensure your child is visually prepared to succeed in school. 
• Every 1–2 years after age 6: Regular eye exams to monitor for vision changes, especially if your child wears glasses or has existing conditions 

Keep in mind: vision screenings at school or the pediatrician’s office aren’t a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist. Those quick checks may miss subtle issues that could affect learning, behavior, or self-esteem. 

Signs Your Child Might Have a Vision Problem 

Children don’t always know how to describe blurry vision, but there are behavioral clues you can look for: 

• Squinting or tilting the head to see 
• Sitting too close to screens or books 
• Rubbing their eyes frequently 
• Trouble focusing or short attention span 
• Avoiding near work or reading 
• Complaints of headaches or tired eyes 
• Falling behind in school or seeming frustrated during visual tasks 

Even if your child isn’t showing symptoms, regular checkups are key. Many eye conditions don’t cause obvious discomfort, especially in younger children who don’t yet know what “normal” vision should look like. 

Our Kid-Friendly Approach at Advanced Eye Care

We understand that visiting the eye doctor can feel intimidating for little ones, so we’ve created an experience that’s gentle and fun. Our team uses age-appropriate language, tools, and technology to keep kids engaged and at ease during their exam. 

We also take the time to discuss results with parents, explain them clearly, and create personalized care plans that support your child’s vision at every stage of development. 

Whether it’s their very first eye checkup or they’ve been in glasses for years, we’re here to help every child feel confident, comfortable, and cared for. 

Don’t Wait Until Vision Problems Show Up 

The best time to protect your child’s eyesight is before issues arise. At Advanced Eye Care, we make early eye exams simple, stress-free, and effective. Whether your child is 6 months or 6 years old, our kid-friendly team is ready to give them the care they need to thrive. 

Book a pediatric eye exam in Myrtle Beach — we can’t wait to meet your family.