Orange Beach, AL

Pediatric
Eye Care

Orange Beach, AL

PEDIATRIC EYE CARE

Starting early with your child’s eye exams is essential for keeping their vision healthy and supporting their overall development. Early exams help us catch any vision issues that could affect your child’s learning, social interactions, and daily activities. Since many eye problems don’t show obvious symptoms, regular eye exams are the best way to detect conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, and amblyopia (lazy eye) when they are easier to treat. If your child has myopia, we can discuss myopia management options to slow its progression and keep your child’s eyes healthy for the long term. 

Don’t worry if your child feels anxious about their eye exam. Our team is great with kids and knows how to make the experience relaxing and enjoyable. Many children even leave saying they had a fun time! And if your child needs glasses, we have a fantastic selection of fun colors and styles that they’ll love to wear. 

How often do children need eye exams? 

The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first eye exam at 6 months old, with follow-up exams at age 3 and again before they start kindergarten. These early exams help detect any potential vision issues and ensure your child is on track for healthy visual development. Even if your child seems to have good vision, it’s important to have their eyes checked regularly to catch any hidden problems early.  

Once your child enters school, they should have an eye exam every one to two years, depending on their vision and eye health. If your child has a known vision problem or is at risk for eye conditions, more frequent exams may be necessary. Additionally, if you notice any signs of vision problems, such as frequent squinting, difficulty focusing, or headaches, don’t wait until it’s time for their annual visit to see an eye doctor.  

Vision for sports 

Clear vision is key for kids who love to play sports. Good eyesight helps with coordination, depth perception, and overall performance, whether they’re tracking a soccer ball, catching a baseball, or doing gymnastics. Regular eye exams are essential to catch any vision problems early, ensuring your child can see clearly and stay safe while having fun. 

For children involved in sports, having the right vision correction makes all the difference. We offer prescription sports goggles and contact lenses to help your child see their best on the field or court. Our team will work with you to find the best options to support your child’s sports performance and protect their eyes. 

Visual skills and learning 

About 80% of what children learn relies on their ability to see. To ensure your child is set up for success, it’s crucial that their visual skills develop correctly. Children who enter school with undetected vision problems may find it difficult to keep up in class and might even be misdiagnosed with ADHD or other behavioral issues. 

Untreated vision problems can also lead to: 

  • Falling behind in learning compared to classmates 
  • Increased behavioral and discipline challenges 
  • A greater chance of dropping out of school 

Protecting your child from digital eye strain 

Adults spend a significant amount of time on screens, and now screens are becoming a big part of kids’ lives too. Excessive screen time has been linked to various eye problems, including digital eye strain. With more screen time, children are also spending less time outdoors. The World Health Organization suggests limiting screen time for children and encouraging outdoor play to support their eye health. 

Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential to ensure your child’s vision stays healthy, regardless of their screen time. During the exam, we can suggest strategies to reduce or prevent discomfort from digital eye strain and check for any underlying conditions that could be causing or contributing to your child’s symptoms. 

Schedule a pediatric eye exam in Orange Beach 

Vision problems in children can be difficult to spot. Kids often adapt to vision issues without complaining or might not realize that what they’re experiencing isn’t normal. Regular eye exams allow Dr. Wilder to catch issues early before they affect your child’s learning, development, and daily life. Contact us today to book your child’s eye exam in Orange Beach or schedule an appointment online.