Eye and Vision Tests for Children and Teens

All children

Use the guidelines below to schedule routine vision checks and eye exams with your Reference pediatrician Opens New Window or Reference family doctor Opens New Window.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Ophthalmologists (AAO) recommend that all children have an eye exam during the newborn period and again at all routine Reference well-child visits.^{Reference 1}

The U.S. Preventive Screening Task Force Reference (USPSTF) Opens New Window recommends screening (tests) to detect lazy eye (Reference amblyopia Opens New Window), misaligned eyes (Reference strabismus Opens New Window), and defects in Reference visual acuity Opens New Window in children between the ages of 3 and 5 years.^{Reference 2}

The AAP recommends that vision screening start around age 3 and occur each year at ages 4, 5, and 6. After that, screening should occur at ages 8, 10, 12, 15, and 18.^{Reference 3}

The AAO recommends that vision screening start around age 3 and occur each year at ages 4 and 5. After age 5, the AAO recommends screening every other year.^{Reference 4}

Vision screening is recommended for infants who were either born at or before 30 weeks, whose birth weight was less than 1500 g (3.3 lb), or who have serious medical conditions. The first screening is recommended between 4 and 7 weeks after birth.^{Reference 5} Any infant with symptoms of eye disease, such as redness or swelling, should be examined by an eye doctor (specialist) as soon as possible.

Eye exams by a specialist (an Reference ophthalmologist Opens New Window or Reference optometrist Opens New Window) are recommended if a child of any age has:

• A Reference family history Opens New Window of eye problems, especially genetic eye diseases.
• Signs of misaligned eyes, lazy eye, or Reference nearsightedness Opens New Window.
• A red, swollen, or cloudy eye.

Children who have refractive errors or have a disease that affects the eyes

Children and teens with a disease that affects the eyes can follow the eye exam and vision testing schedule for all children. It's best that they see an eye doctor (specialist) for their eye care.

At least once a year, most eye doctors want to check the vision of children and teens that have Reference refractive errors Opens New Window that impact their sight. If nearsightedness is severe or quickly gets worse in a child, he or she will need exams more often.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.