When To Start Eye Exams
Since eye exams are the number one way of preventing lazy eye, children should have regular checkups. Most children receive their first exam around six years of age, but since amblyopia becomes difficult to treat after seven years old, at risk populations need eye exams much earlier than that.
Ideally, children should have an eye exam around one year old, particularly if there are eye conditions in the family. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that the eyes should be checked at birth and again at six months old. Afterwards, if no issues are detected, the next eye exam can be done when the child turns three. Then, exams are every two years. The only time this changes is if amblyopia or other complications are detected.
