Pediatric Eye Doctor Las Vegas, NV

Clear and healthy vision is essential for a child’s physical development, academic success, and overall well-being. At our pediatric eye care center in Las Vegas, NV, we offer children’s eye exams to check the accuracy of your child’s vision, diagnose any eye conditions, and provide a plan of treatment to ensure they experience the best possible vision and eye health.
Pediatric Eye Exams
Children can have eye health and vision problems, and a pediatric eye exam is essential to detect issues early in a child’s life so that they can get proper care before problems worsen. Dr. Ellen Merkin offers pediatric eye care services. Our pediatric optometrist has the experience to diagnose and treat eye health and vision problems in children.
Why are Pediatric Eye Exams Important for Children?
It’s important for children to have their eyes examined to ensure they are healthy and that they don’t have any vision problems which may interfere with their performance in school. Learning is all about vision; in fact, up to 80% of what a child learns is presented visually. Eye exams for children assess whether they have the necessary visual skills which are essential for learning:
- Excellent vision for near, up-close work and for distance.
- Comfortable and correct “eye teaming,” which means the eyes work well together and can focus on the same place in space.
- Excellent ability to switch the focus from an object up close to an object in the distance.
- Accurate eye movement skills, such as the ability to read a line of text.
When Should Children See a Pediatric Eye Doctor?
Children should have their first eye exam at six months, then again at three years old, and once more before they enter kindergarten.
Once a child is in school, they should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years if no vision correction is needed. If a child has been prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses, then they should be examined on an annual basis or as recommended by the optometrist.
The eye exam methods our doctor uses depend on the age of the child. However, the pediatric eye exam will generally include learning about their history, testing their vision, determining whether eyeglasses are needed, testing their eye alignment, conducting an eye health evaluation, and if needed, prescribing eyeglasses.
How Does a Kids’ Eye Exam Differ from a Vision Screening?
A vision screening is typically designed to check a child’s general vision acuity. If a problem is suspected, usually the recommendation is to take the child to a pediatric optometrist for a comprehensive pediatric eye exam. An optometrist has the clinical expertise necessary to diagnose problems and provide a prescription for eyeglasses if necessary. If your child needs eyeglasses for vision correction, we offer a wide selection of eyewear options well-suited for children of all ages. Our team will ensure that your child has the clearest vision possible and that their glasses provide a comfortable fit with the ability to withstand school, sports, and other playful activities.
What are the Signs of a Vision Problem in Children?
Kids aren’t always able to effectively communicate about their difficulties with vision, so eye health problems in children can be difficult to detect. If vision problems are left unchecked, they can progress and negatively impact your child’s life as they grow up.
Some early indicators of vision problems in children include the following behaviors:
- Frequent blinking, squinting, or irregular eye movements
- Frequently turning or tilting their head
- Covering or closing one eye to see better
- Poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills
- Rubbing their eyes frequently
- Frequent headaches
- Leaning in too close to see something or read
- Learning difficulties and poor handwriting
Book an Appointment for a Pediatric Eye Exam
Contact our office by calling 702-213-7235 today to schedule an appointment for a pediatric eye exam today.
Can my child wear contact lenses during sports activities?
Children can wear contact lenses for sports and all activities if they are properly evaluated.
When should my child's eyes be examined?
Children who have an eye turning in or out as an infant should have an eye examination at this early age. Most toddlers are spending time on tablets and computer games and should have their eyes examined if they are on those devices. All children should have an eye examination by 3 to 4 years old.
Will sitting too close to the television set hurt my child's eyes?
Children who are sitting close to the television generally have a vision problem and should have their eyes examined.
Is my child likely to inherit my need for glasses?
If both parents are wearing glasses, your child has a 1 in 2 chance of being myopic. If one parent is myopic, the child has a 1 in 3 chance of being myopic. If neither parent is myopic, there is a 1 in 4 chance of your child being myopic. Fortunately, there are now contact lenses available to help decrease myopia progression in children.