Think about how often a child uses their eyes in a single morning: following a line of text, judging the distance to a curb, spotting a friend across the room. Sight drives learning, movement, and social connection. That’s why we put strong attention on pediatric eye exams here at Couture Optical in Brooklyn, alongside core services like Comprehensive Eye Exams and Myopia Control.
What Pediatric Eye Care Covers (at a glance):
- Checking vision clarity at distance and near
- Evaluating how the eyes work together (binocular vision and teaming)
- Assessing focusing skills for reading and screens
- Screening for common eye conditions such as myopia, astigmatism, and lazy eye
- Reviewing eye health inside and out with child-friendly testing
- Guiding families on eyewear, contact lenses, and lifestyle habits
Age-by-Age Guide: When to Schedule & What We Check
Children’s eyes develop quickly, and each stage of growth comes with its own set of visual milestones and challenges. Routine eye exams allow us to track these changes, catch problems early, and ensure your child is seeing clearly during the years when vision plays a key role in learning and development. Below is a breakdown of what parents can expect at different ages:
1. Infants (around 6 months)
- What we check: eye alignment, tracking, pupil responses, and overall eye health.
- Why it matters: Early detection of eye turns (strabismus) or unequal vision can prevent long-term issues like amblyopia.
- What you do: Bring your favorite toys to get attention; we keep the visit calm and short.
2. Toddlers & Preschoolers (2–5 years)
- What we check: age-appropriate acuity, depth perception, color vision, eye teaming, focusing, and tracking.
- Signs to watch: squinting, rubbing eyes, holding books or screens very close, or avoiding puzzles and coloring.
- What helps: Plenty of outdoor time and regular breaks from near work.
Early School Years (6–10 years)
- What we check: clarity for reading and the board, sustained focusing, tracking across lines of text, and smooth eye movements.
- Signs to watch: headaches after reading, losing place, short attention span during near tasks, or tilting the head.
- Why it matters: Small focusing or teaming issues can look like “not trying,” when the real problem is visual effort.
Tweens & Teens (11–18 years)
- What we check: stable prescription for classroom, digital devices, and sports; dry eye risk with heavy screen time; contact lens readiness and hygiene.
- Sports tip: Clear peripheral vision and contrast sensitivity improve reaction time; ask about protective eyewear and lens options.
Take Control of Your Child's Myopia
Myopia is appearing earlier and progressing faster for many families. We look for early shifts in prescription, eye length changes, and visual habits that contribute to eye strain. Our goal is twofold: to provide a clear vision now and to slow progression over time. We discuss options such as specially designed glasses, daytime or overnight contact lenses, and lifestyle adjustments like outdoor time and balanced screen habits.
Slowing myopia is important because:
- Higher prescriptions can increase future risk for retinal and other eye health problems
- Children often show better classroom and sports performance when visual effort is reduced
- Earlier action usually offers more control over long-term outcomes
Eyewear & Contact Lens Choices for Your Child
We fit eyeglasses that can handle playground life and still look great in school photos. For responsible tweens and teens, contact lenses can be a game-changer for sports and confidence. We’ll discuss soft, gas-permeable, and daily disposable options, along with clear instructions on hygiene, wear time, and comfort checks.
Tailored Care for Growing Eyes
Every child is unique. That’s why we create a plan that fits their age, stage, and daily routine. Whether it’s protective sports eyewear, lenses that slow myopia progression, or therapy to strengthen weak eye muscles, our goal is to safeguard vision and support your child’s learning, play, and confidence.
We also partner closely with parents, sharing guidance on screen time, posture, lighting, and healthy habits that protect eyesight long-term.
Get Eyecare That Protects Your Child’s Sight in Brooklyn, NY
Clear vision fuels growth, confidence, and success. At Couture Optical, we provide children’s eye exams in Brooklyn that detect issues early and guide families with treatment options tailored to each child. Book your child's eye care appointment with one of our eye doctors to take the next step toward safeguarding their vision for a brighter future.
Pediatric eye care FAQs
How often should my child have an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends exams at 6 months, 3 years, before starting school, and every 1–2 years after that, depending on risk factors and vision history.
What signs suggest my child may need an eye exam sooner?
Watch for symptoms such as squinting, frequent eye rubbing, headaches after reading, short attention span, or tilting the head while looking at objects.
Can my child wear contact lenses?
Yes — many teens and some pre-teens can safely wear contacts if they’re responsible with hygiene and handling. Our optometrists will help determine readiness.