For many parents, children’s vision feels like something to check if a problem shows up. A failed school screening. Complaints about headaches. Trouble seeing the board. But the reality of children’s vision today is more complex—and more subtle—than most families realize.
Between increased screen use, earlier academic demands, and fewer natural breaks for distance viewing, kids are using their eyes differently than ever before. And according to Dr. Long Do, that shift means parents often need to rethink what “healthy vision” really looks like.
Why Kids Rarely Say “I Can’t See”
One of the biggest challenges in pediatric eye care is that children don’t always recognize vision problems. They assume what they see is normal.
Dr. Long Do explains that kids adapt quickly—sometimes by avoiding reading, losing focus during schoolwork, or becoming frustrated during close-up tasks. These behaviors don’t always raise immediate red flags, but they can be early clues that the eyes are working harder than they should.
This is why waiting for complaints doesn’t always work. By the time a child says something feels wrong, they may have been compensating for months.
Screenings vs. Real Eye Exams
Many parents feel reassured when their child passes a school or pediatrician screening. While screenings can be helpful, Dr. Long Do is clear about their limitations.“Vision screenings are not a replacement for an eye examination,” says Dr. Do.
Screenings typically check only basic visual acuity. A comprehensive pediatric eye exam looks much deeper—evaluating eye health, alignment, focusing ability, and how well the eyes work together. These factors play a major role in reading comfort, attention, and visual stamina, especially in school-aged children.
How Eye Doctors Test Young Children
A common misconception is that children need to know letters or numbers to have an accurate eye exam. That simply isn’t true. “We have different ways to test for their prescription without reading cues,” Dr. Long Do explains.
Using objective testing methods, eye doctors can assess vision even in very young children. This allows potential issues to be identified early—before learning, confidence, or comfort are affected. “We recommend starting regular eye exams at four years old or sooner,” says Dr. Do, emphasizing the value of early baseline care.
When Vision Problems Look Like Something Else
Vision challenges don’t always present themselves as such. Dr. Long Do notes that difficulties with focusing or eye coordination can sometimes present as attention issues, reading struggles, or behavioral concerns.
A child who avoids books or becomes easily fatigued during homework may not be unmotivated—they may be visually uncomfortable. While vision isn’t always the cause, ruling it out with a comprehensive exam is an important step when concerns persist.
A Smarter Way to Protect Your Child’s Vision in Las Colinas Irving
Children’s vision today deserves a more proactive approach. Rather than waiting for obvious symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams help parents understand how their child’s visual system is developing—and whether it’s supporting learning and daily life comfortably.
If you’ve ever felt unsure whether your child’s vision is truly “fine,” scheduling a comprehensive pediatric eye exam at 20/20 iCare and iWear can provide clarity, reassurance, and a plan moving forward.
Questions Parents Often Ask—Answered
If my child passed a vision screening, do they still need an eye exam?
- Yes. Screenings are limited and may miss issues related to eye coordination, focusing, or eye health that only a full exam can detect.
What if my child never complains about their eyes?
- Many children don’t realize anything is wrong. “Patients with good vision are the ones more likely to skip eye exams,” says Dr. Long Do, which can delay detection of subtle problems.
Can too much screen time affect my child’s eyesight?
- It can. “Too much screen time can make your eyes longer, therefore more nearsighted,” explains Dr. Do, which is why regular monitoring is important.
Is there a ‘right’ age to start eye exams?
- “Four years old or sooner,” says Dr. Long Do—especially if parents notice reading difficulties, headaches, or visual fatigue.