At 20/20 iCare and iWear Irving, we understand that a child’s vision is more than just a matter of seeing clearly—it’s about setting the stage for learning, growth, and confidence. Our Irving, Texas location offers attentive, family-focused care with the latest diagnostic technology and a friendly environment that puts kids (and parents) at ease. Let’s explore how routine pediatric eye exams can support your child’s development and why they’re important—even when everything seems fine.
Why Early Eye Exams Are So Important
Many parents assume that unless their child complains about vision issues, there’s no need for a visit to the optometrist. However, Dr. Long Do recommends scheduling a child’s first comprehensive eye exam around age 4—or earlier if you notice behaviors like:
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Rubbing their eyes frequently
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books too close
Annual exams are essential because a child’s vision can change quickly during their early years. These changes often go unnoticed without professional testing, especially since younger children may not realize their vision isn’t normal.
No Reading Required
Parents often ask if it’s even possible to test a child’s eyes if they haven’t learned to read yet. The answer is yes. We use specialized tools and techniques to assess vision in toddlers and young children. These include objective tests that don’t rely on verbal responses, allowing us to detect refractive errors or signs of eye strain early on.
Family History and Screens: Why They Matter
If both parents wear glasses, there’s a high likelihood their children will too—about 85% according to Dr. Do. Genetics play a key role in visual development, and early exams help us stay ahead of potential problems.
Even if your child recently passed a school screening or pediatrician’s vision check, these basic tests are not a replacement for a full eye exam. Screenings typically measure only how well your child sees letters from a distance—but that’s just one part of their visual system. A full exam looks at depth perception, eye coordination, and overall ocular health.
Did You Know? The Impact of Screen Time
In today’s digital world, children are using screens earlier and more often. This can increase their risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness), as extended close-up focus may trigger the eye to grow longer. That structural change can blur distant vision and raise the risk of more serious eye conditions down the road.
Scheduling regular exams gives us a chance to detect and slow this progression early—with lifestyle adjustments or treatments like myopia management options.
Symptoms to Watch For: Is Your Child at Risk?
While some children are great at expressing when something doesn’t feel right, many may not realize their eyes are straining. Here are common signs that could point to vision problems:
- Squinting or tilting the head
- Frequent headaches
- Avoiding reading or homework
- Eye rubbing or fatigue after screen use
Even in the absence of symptoms, a baseline eye exam helps us establish what’s normal for your child—and track any changes as they grow.
Book Your Child’s Eye Exam With Us!
Don’t wait until your child shows signs of vision trouble. A proactive eye exam is one of the easiest ways to support their health, learning, and happiness. At 20/20 iCare and iWear Irving, we’re committed to making that process simple, informative, and child-friendly from start to finish. You’ll find us conveniently located inside Irving Mall at 3880 Irving Mall, Irving, TX 75062. To schedule an appointment, call us at (972) 258-2222—we’re here to help your child see clearly and confidently every step of the way.
Walk-Ins Welcome