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24-Oct-2025
12,635 The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Children
Regular eye exams help detect myopia early and protect children’s eyesight from the very first years.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), myopia is increasing rapidly worldwide, especially among Asian children. In Vietnam, the rate of school myopia ranges from 25–40% among primary students and up to 70% in secondary school.
This shows that regular eye exams for children are not only crucial for early detection of refractive errors but also essential for maintaining long-term visual health and preventing severe myopia progression.
When Should Myopia Control Begin?
The correct answer is: As early as possible.
Research from the AAO shows that once a child becomes myopic, their degree of nearsightedness tends to increase continuously with age, especially between 6 and 18 years old — the period when their eyes and body grow the fastest.
If not managed properly, progressive myopia can lead to several serious complications such as:
- Early cataracts.
- Retinal tears or detachment.
- Glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
- Myopic retinal degeneration.
These conditions can result in permanent vision loss or even irreversible blindness. Early myopia management, therefore, not only helps children maintain good eyesight but also protects their vision health for the future.
The Golden Time for a Child’s First Eye Exam
The golden time to examine children’s eyes is between 6 and 18 years old
| Age | Recommended Exam Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn – 1 year | Immediately after birth and at 6 months old | Detect congenital cataracts, strabismus, or retinoblastoma |
| 1 – 3 years | At least once before age 3 | Evaluate visual response and eye coordination |
| 3 – 6 years | Once per year | Early detection of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism |
| 6 – 18 years | 1–2 times/year or as advised by the doctor | Monitor changes in vision during intensive study periods |
This is the stage when visual development is fastest. Missing this “golden window” may result in school-related visual decline or even permanent amblyopia without parents realizing it.
Warning Signs That Your Child Needs an Eye Exam
- Squinting when looking far or leaning too close while reading or watching TV.
- Frequent eye rubbing, complaints of headaches, or watery eyes when studying.
- Declining academic performance or poor concentration in class.
- Family history of high myopia (greater than -6.00D) — children have 2–3 times higher risk of early myopia.
Ophthalmologists recommend that if a child exhibits any of these signs, parents should schedule an eye exam — even if the child does not complain of poor vision.
Comprehensive Eye Exam Process for Children
At reputable ophthalmology clinics, a standard pediatric eye exam includes:
- Testing vision with and without glasses — to determine levels of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
- Fundus and intraocular pressure examination — to check the retina and optic nerve health.
- Refraction under cycloplegia (eye drops) — crucial for children under 10 years old.
- Accommodation and convergence testing — to detect hidden strabismus or focusing imbalances.
Based on these results, the doctor will provide appropriate solutions such as prescribing glasses, recommending vision therapy, or adjusting lighting and study time.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Key to Managing School Myopia
Healthy eyes are the foundation for a child’s joy and confidence every day
According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), 60% of children with undiagnosed myopia experience faster progression — more than 1 diopter per year. In addition to genetics, environmental factors such as studying in dim light, improper posture, short reading distance, or using digital devices for over 2 hours a day are major causes of worsening myopia.
Recent studies also show that spending at least 2 hours outdoors daily helps reduce the risk of myopia progression due to the positive effects of natural light on retinal development and eye focusing control.
Guidelines for Parents
- Limit screen time to under 2 hours per day.
- Encourage outdoor activities, especially in the morning.
- Maintain a reading distance of 30–40 cm.
- Ensure proper lighting levels for studying (300–500 lux).
- Follow a 6–12 month regular eye check-up schedule, especially during elementary school years.
Eye exams for children are not only a way to detect myopia early but also an essential step in protecting the overall development of their vision — the window to their world.
Parents should make regular eye checkups an integral part of their child’s healthcare routine. Early detection, timely correction, and proper eye care habits will help your child maintain clear vision, prevent rapid myopia progression, and enjoy a brighter, more confident future.
22/11/2025
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