A school form that says “screening completed” can feel like one more box checked. But if your child is still squinting at homework, getting headaches after class, or becoming frustrated during reading time, it’s natural to wonder what’s really going on.
Children rarely describe vision problems the way adults do. Many don’t know what clear vision should feel like, and they’re remarkably good at adapting. That’s where a comprehensive pediatric eye exam can make a difference—offering clarity, reassurance, and a clear path forward. At 20/20 iCare in Killeen, pediatric eye care is designed to feel approachable for kids and informative for parents, so families leave understanding both the results and the next steps.
Why Kids Often Don’t Say Anything
When children experience vision challenges, they don’t always speak up. Instead of saying they can’t see well, they may avoid close-up tasks, lose interest in reading, or rush through homework because it feels tiring.
As Dr. Prince explains, “Kids assume the way they see the world is normal because it’s all they’ve ever known.”
Parents often start connecting the dots only after a teacher mentions difficulty copying from the board or a child’s confidence begins to dip during schoolwork.
What Screenings Can Miss
Vision screenings can be useful, but they’re limited. Most screenings focus on distance vision, which means a child can pass and still struggle with the visual demands of learning, reading, and screen use.
A comprehensive pediatric eye exam can evaluate areas that screenings may overlook, including:
- Near focusing ability and stamina for reading and devices
- Eye teaming, or how well the eyes work together
- Tracking skills for following lines of text
- Eye alignment concerns that may affect comfort
- Overall eye health to identify issues early
“A vision screening is not a replacement for an eye examination,” says Dr. Prince."
What To Expect During A Pediatric Eye Exam
Some parents worry their child won’t recognize letters or won’t sit still long enough. Pediatric eye exams use age-appropriate tools and objective testing methods, so children don’t need to “perform” to get accurate results.
During a visit, your child’s eye doctor may assess:
- Distance and near vision using kid-friendly targets
- Eye alignment and coordination
- Tracking and focusing ability for close-up work
- Eye health to establish a baseline for future care
“We have different ways to test for their prescription without relying on reading letters,” notes Dr. Prince.
Signs Your Child May Be Working Too Hard To See
If you’re unsure whether it’s time to schedule an exam, these are common signs families often notice first:
Squinting, frequent blinking, or rubbing eyes
- Sitting very close to screens or holding books close
- Losing place while reading or using a finger to track
- Headaches after school or extended screen time
- Avoiding reading, homework, or detailed activities
- Short attention span for near work, especially later in the day
While not every sign points to a need for glasses, patterns like these can indicate visual strain or inefficient eye coordination.
Scheduling Pediatric Eye Care In Killeen
A child’s vision plays a key role in learning, comfort, and confidence. If something feels off at school or at home, a comprehensive exam can help clarify what’s happening and bring peace of mind.
At 20/20 iCare, families can access pediatric eye care services in Killeen that support developing eyes and busy schedules alike. If reading feels harder than it should, headaches keep popping up, or screen time leads to fatigue, an eye exam may provide the answers you’ve been looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions With Dr. Prince
Do kids still need an eye exam if they passed a screening?
- Yes. Screenings often focus on distance vision and may miss focusing, tracking, eye teaming, or early eye health concerns.
What if my child never says things are blurry?
- Many kids don’t realize their vision is different. They adapt, and it can show up as avoidance, frustration, or fatigue instead.
Can screen time affect my child’s eyes?
- Extended close-up work can increase eye strain and make focusing issues more noticeable. Regular exams help monitor changes and support healthy visual habits.
When should my child start having eye exams?
- Many families begin around age five, or sooner if they notice squinting, headaches, reading avoidance, or other signs of visual strain.
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