Children’s Eye Exams | Pacific Pier Optometry

Clear Vision Starts Early

Your child’s eyes do more than just see. They help them discover, play, and learn about the world. The first 6 years are crucial for healthy visual development, and your role in spotting early signs of eye conditions is key.

Regular eye exams are essential to catching vision issues, like myopia (nearsightedness), even before kids can explain what they’re experiencing. At Pacific Pier Optometry, we make children’s eye care simple, stress-free, and fun. Sometimes we use gentle dilation drops during children’s eye exams to get a better look inside their eyes. This helps us catch any early issues and ensure their vision is developing just right.

Whether it’s their first exam or a routine check-up, we’re here to help support healthy vision, now and for the future. Schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam today.

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When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

Kids grow fast—and so do their eyes. We follow the American Optometric Association’s recommended eye exam schedule:

First exam between 6–12 months
Second exam between 3 and 5
Yearly exams starting in first grade

After we meet your child, we’ll personalize their care based on their family history, health conditions, and any symptoms that arise. Every kid is different, and we’re here to help you stay ahead of their needs without the guesswork.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming more common in younger kids, especially with all the screen time and indoor play. It makes it harder to see things far away, like classroom boards or street signs. If left unchecked, myopia can progress quickly.

Myopia can start at a young age and worsen over time, affecting how your child sees the world. We offer personalized myopia control options to help slow the progression of myopia and protect your child’s long-term eye health.

Whether it’s eye drops, specialty lenses, or glasses, we’ll guide you through the process in a supportive and straightforward way. Our options can reduce the need for stronger prescriptions later on.

What’s the Difference Between a Screening & Eye Exam?

School screenings are a helpful first step, but they don’t provide the whole picture. They only check for basic visual sharpness and can miss many underlying issues. School vision screenings can miss up to 75% of vision problems.

A comprehensive eye exam is crucial for preventive health care. Our team can check eye health, development, and alignment. We also offer personalized myopia control options.

Even if your child isn’t experiencing symptoms, it’s essential to make sure nothing is overlooked. If something’s off, we can catch it early and walk you through potential next steps.

How Vision Affects Learning and Development

Eyesight plays a massive role in how children learn. They rely on clear vision for reading, writing, coordination, and focus. If something’s off, it can affect confidence, learning speed, and even behavior in the classroom.

If your child is dealing with any of the following symptoms, we recommend booking an eye exam with us:

Headaches
Double vision
Eye discomfort
Frequent blinking
Short attention span
Eye turn (strabismus)
Frequent eye rubbing
Tilting their head to see
Closing or covering one eye
Fatigue after visual activities
Difficulty remembering what they’ve read
Holding reading material too close to their face
Avoiding near-vision activities (reading, coloring, etc.)

What Are Common Eye Conditions in Children?

Your child’s eyes go through a lot while they grow. From minor irritations to developmental concerns, knowing what to look for can make a big difference.

Childhood eye diseases and conditions can indicate it’s time to book an eye exam.

Some of the common childhood eye conditions include:

A blocked tear duct can be a common and recurring eye condition in newborns. If untreated, it can lead to infection, which may cause fever, pain, or swelling. Common symptoms include:

Discharge
Redness
Watery eyes
Frequent rubbing (eye area)
Crusting of eyelashes or eyelids

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) can be caused by infection, allergies, or chemical irritants. Depending on the cause, treatment may require antibiotic eye drops or antihistamines. Common symptoms include:

Swelling
Irritation or burning
Increased tear production
Discharge (watery or thick)
Crusting of eyelids or eyelashes
Pink or red color in the whites of the eye
Feeling something in the eye

Strabismus (crossed eyes) occurs when eyes aren’t correctly aligned. You might notice one eye turning in or out, or your child tilting their head to keep it focused. Early diagnosis is essential to protect depth perception and prevent long-term issues.

Common symptoms include:

Eyes don’t move together
Double vision
Tilting the head to see
Frequent blinking or squinting
Poor depth perception

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a condition where one eye develops weaker vision than the other. It’s often related to strong prescriptions in one eye. Early detection allows for early treatment, making it easier to correct.

Amblyopia has several risk factors, including:

Strabismus (eye turn)
Refractive errors
Visual deprivation
Developmental conditions
Family history of amblyopia or strabismus

Let’s Care for Their Vision, Together

We love helping young eyes grow up healthy. From your child’s first eye exam to ongoing support with myopia or visual challenges, our team is here to make the experience comfortable for you and your child.

Schedule your child’s next eye exam today!

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Services We Offer

Comprehensive Eye Exams

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Adult & Senior Eye Exams

Contact Lens Exams & Fittings

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Contact Lens Exams, Fittings, & Brands

Myopia Control for Kids

Manage Myopia Early

Myopia Control

Laser Eye Surgery Consultations

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Laser Eye Surgery Consultation

Why Choose Pacific Pier Optometry?

Quality, personalized eye care with a fun, approachable team. Here’s why so many choose us:

Carefully Selected Eyewear

We believe your eyewear should be as unique as you are! Our eyewear collection features an intimate selection of quality frames that fit every aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for a bold statement piece or a classic everyday look, we can help you find the perfect pair that complements your style.

Passion & Reliability

Our team is not only knowledgeable, but also passionate about eye health! We pride ourselves on creating a friendly and approachable atmosphere. We understand that eye care can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we’re here to make it relatable and enjoyable for our patients. Your comfort and understanding are our top priorities.

Eye Care with a Personal Touch

Experience eye care that combines technology with a team you’ll feel relaxed with. We strive to make every visit feel like a personal experience, rather than a medical appointment. Our team is about making it easy for you to understand your eye health and our services. From your first appointment to your frame selection, we’re here for you.

Find Us in Santa Monica

Come Visit Us

We’re just a stone’s throw from the beach and vibrant local shops—we’re easy to access and aim to provide a relaxing space where you can focus on your eye health.