The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams for Growing Eyes
Posted on February 7, 2020 in Vision Health
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*Updated June 2025
We all know children should visit the dentist twice a year for preventive check-ups, but what about their eyes? Did you know that annual comprehensive eye exams are equally as important for kids’ wellness? Here’s why.
Nearly 625,000 children in the United States have been diagnosed with a vision or eye condition, according to the American Foundation for the Blind. But many more kids are likely struggling with undiagnosed vision problems and suffering from headaches, short attention spans, fatigue, difficulty in school, and more.
The tricky part? Kids don’t always know how to explain what’s wrong, or even realize something is wrong with their vision.
That’s why it’s important to visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam every year to catch and treat any problems with your kids’ vision early on.
What makes a comprehensive eye exam different?
A comprehensive eye exam is way more than reading letters on a chart.
Unlike basic vision screenings, these in-depth exams provide a complete picture of eye health. During a comprehensive exam, an eye doctor evaluates key aspects such as visual acuity, eye function, corneal curvature, refraction, and overall eye health. They also track your child’s vision over time, helping detect and address any changes early, before they impact learning or development.
Full eye exams can reveal early warning signs of more serious health conditions. For example, an eye doctor can detect signs of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and even diabetes. They also check for things like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other vision impairments.
Kids might not know they’re having trouble seeing
A lot of kids assume that how they see is how everyone see. They simply don’t realize they’re missing details at school or struggling to focus because their vision is off. A comprehensive eye exam helps take the guesswork out of identifying the issue. If your child needs glasses or contacts, they’ll get the right prescription that will make learning, playing, and screen time easier.
When should kids get comprehensive eye exams?
The American Optometric Association recommends:
- Infants have an initial eye exam between six and 12 months
- Preschoolers (3-5 years) should have one full exam
- School-aged kids should have annual exams
If your child complains about blurred vision, visit your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Delta Dental of Iowa offers DeltaVision plans for individuals and employers. These plans cover exams, frames, contact lenses, and laser correction procedures, as well as discounts on lenses, at participating providers.
Find a DeltaVision provider today.
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