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Ask the Expert: Linda Chous How often should kids get eye checkups? – UHC TV A parent has asked me how often their child should have their eyes checked, and one of the first things you should know, is that we can examine baby’s eyes as early as newborns. But, we can routinely check them between age six and twelve months. People are always curious as to how you can do that if they cant read the eye chart or say which is better one or two. But, that’s not necessary for examining a child. They don’t have to be able to read the eye chart. We have special instruments that we can use to look to see if there is any near sidedness or far sidedness or astigmatism or anything that might affect the health of the eyes. For example, if the eyes cross or wander, that’s a big reason why we would want to check them. So, we can see them again at about age two or three. That’s another important milestone for kids visually where they may have problems that develop during that time especially with eye alignment. And, we want to take a look at that because the earlier we can find the problem, and treat it—especially with things like crossed eyes or lazy eyes—the better the results are when they are older. So, we don’t want to wait until they are nine or ten years old when they have already started having problems at school or with reading or with learning. We want to check it right away. So, we want to check them at age two and then before they start kindergarten. Again, it is easier to treat some of these problems before they start school because they don’t have all of the scheduled activities that make it harder to do for instance patching an eye or doing exercises that might help strengthen the alignment of the eyes. So, after that, usually about every year or two, if the child isn’t having any problems with their eyes and doesn’t wear glasses. But, once they start wearing glasses for near sidedness, far sidedness, or astigmatism, or any eye problem at all, we want to check them on a yearly basis because they can be going through a lot of changes as they are in their school years. So, once they get to be about eighteen, they’re starting to be adults, there are different tests that we might do at that time—especially since we are working more with contact lenses or concerned about other eye issues. Otherwise, every year or two to see their eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam is the best bet.

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Eye Checkups for Kids: How Often?

Question: How often should kids get eye check ups?

Answer from: Dr. Linda Chous, O.D., eye care expert

Regular eye exams are important for children of all ages, including newborns, babies, and kids—even before they learn to read.

vision, Ask the Expert, Dr. Linda Chous, Healthy Eyes, kids, Seeing Clearly

The content of these videos is for information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Refer to your health plan benefit guide for coverage details, and consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you.

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Eye Checkups for Kids: How Often?

Question: How often should kids get eye check ups?

Answer from: Dr. Linda Chous, O.D., eye care expert

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