Pediatric Eye Exams

As a parent, you want to give your child every opportunity to thrive, and that includes protecting their vision. For families in Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and the surrounding areas, Dr. Brianna Herring provides compassionate and comprehensive pediatric eye care designed to support healthy development and learning from an early age.

Why Is Early Vision Care Important?

Good vision is essential for children to reach developmental milestones. From crawling and hand-eye coordination to reading and writing, many learning activities rely on strong visual skills. Undiagnosed vision problems can lead to challenges in school, poor focus, and even behavioral issues. Children may not realize they have vision issues because they assume everyone sees the way they do, making it crucial for parents to take a proactive approach.

What Is a Pediatric Eye Exam and When Should My Child Have One?

A pediatric eye exam is a thorough assessment of your child’s vision and eye health. Unlike basic school screenings, which often only test for distance vision, these comprehensive exams evaluate how well your child’s eyes focus, move, and work together as a team. They also assess visual acuity, depth perception, eye alignment, and overall eye health.

Children should have their first eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age, another exam at age 3, and again before they enter kindergarten. From there, regular annual exams help track vision changes and catch any concerns before they affect learning.

Common Eye Conditions in Children

Several vision conditions can affect children, often without any obvious signs:

• Strabismus: Also known as crossed or misaligned eyes, strabismus can cause depth perception problems and may lead to other vision issues if left untreated.

• Amblyopia: Often called “lazy eye,” amblyopia happens when one eye develops better vision than the other. Early intervention is key for restoring balanced vision.

• Refractive Errors: These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Even mild refractive errors can interfere with reading and classroom performance.

• Binocular Vision Dysfunction: When the eyes do not work together properly, children may experience double vision, headaches, or difficulty with reading and tracking words across a page.
  
  

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection allows for more effective treatment options. When vision issues are caught early, they are often easier to correct or manage. Timely treatment can also prevent long-term complications and help your child build confidence in school and daily activities.

If your child is diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia), early care is even more essential. Dr. Bri offers personalized myopia management plans tailored to your child’s needs. Options may include specially designed contact lenses, atropine eye drops, Ortho-K, or lifestyle recommendations to help slow the progression of myopia and protect long-term eye health.

Supporting Families in Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and Beyond

Regular pediatric eye exams with Brianna Herring, O.D. can help identify vision concerns early, support academic performance, and promote lifelong eye health. Whether it’s their first exam or a routine check-up, expert pediatric care makes all the difference.

​​​​​​​If you’re in Deerfield Beach, Plantation, or the surrounding areas, schedule your child’s eye exam with Dr. Brianna Herring today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier vision