Children’s Eye Exams in San Francisco

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Keep the Focus on Your Child’s Vision

Your child’s eyes contribute to their development more than you might think. Over 80% of learning is visual, making strong eyes and clear vision a crucial part of your child’s overall health.

Children use their eyes and vision to interact with the world around them, so uncorrected visual issues can hinder their ability to succeed academically, socially, or athletically. According to the American Optometric Association, nearly 25% of school-aged children have an undiagnosed visual problem. To ensure your child has the best chance at success through healthy eyes, follow the recommended eye exam frequency.

If you’d like to know more about your child’s ocular health and how we can help give them a strong start, contact our office to request an appointment today!

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When Should My Child Have Their Eyes Examined?

Your child’s eyes develop and change rapidly, especially during the first 6 years of their life. The first 6 years are considered to be the most critical period in terms of their ocular health. It’s also when your child is the most vulnerable to developing harmful vision changes. They’ll learn to use their eyes as they grow during their early lives, so incorporating visually stimulating toys and activities is crucial.

Taking your child in for regular eye exams is the best way to monitor their ocular development and ensure any signs of vision problems or underlying health concerns are caught early. At Acuity Vision Optometry Boutique, we follow the eye exam frequency recommended by the American Optometric Association:

  • Infants & Toddlers: Have your child’s eyes examined between 6 and 12 months of age.
  • Preschoolers: Children between 3 and 5 should have their eyes examined before they begin school.
  • School-Age: Your child should attend annual eye exams between the ages of 6 and 17 to continually assess their vision and health while in school.

However, if we detect a sign of disease or your child is considered “at-risk,” we may recommend a more frequent exam schedule. We’ll discuss this once we know more about you and your child during their first visit.

Taking care of your children’s vision is an important job that you, as a parent, need to be responsible for. Keep an eye on your child’s behavior for some common warning signs they may need to see an optometrist:

  • Constant eye rubbing
  • Light sensitivity
  • Poor focusing
  • Poor visual tracking (following an object)
  • Misaligned eyes
  • Chronic redness
  • Chronic tearing
  • A white pupil instead of black
  • Squinting
  • Holding objects close to the face
  • Difficulty at school

Common Eye Problems in Children

Refractive errors occur when light rays don’t focus properly on the retina at the back of the eye, impacting vision. If one eye can see better than the other, your child’s eyes can become misaligned or develop a “lazy eye.”

Typically, prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses can correct mild refractive errors. Myopia control methods can also be used to slow the progression of nearsightedness.

Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” occurs when the eyes become misaligned due to poor vision in one eye. When vision doesn’t develop normally in one eye, the brain focuses on using the eye with stronger vision, causing the other to drift.

Amblyopia can occur due to untreated vision problems, like refractive errors, strabismus, droopy eyelids, and cataracts.

Strabismus, or “crossed eyes,” occurs when the ocular muscles are weak, causing one or both eyes to turn inwards or outwards. It should be treated as soon as possible to prevent lasting symptoms. If your child exhibits signs or symptoms of weak eye muscles or strabismus, we may recommend binocular vision therapy services, available on-site.

Request Your Appointment Today!

If you’re interested in what we can do for your child’s health, we’d love to show you! Please contact our office or request an appointment online today!

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Where Are We?

We’re on the corner of Sacramento Street and Locust Street in the retail district of Presidio Heights. There’s ample free street and public garage parking nearby!

Our Address

3610A Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94118

Contact Information

Our Hours

Monday
10 AM6 PM
Tuesday
10 AM6 PM
Wednesday
10 AM6 PM
Thursday
9 AM5 PM
Friday
9 AM5 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Our Services

What Our Patients Are Saying

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