Pediatric Eye Exams in North Charleston: What Parents Need to Know
Protecting your child’s vision starts early, and at Lesslie Vision Care, we specialize in gentle, thorough pediatric eye exams for children as young as age two. Our goal is to make each visit smooth and stress-free while detecting issues that can affect learning, development, and quality of life.
Led by Dr. Lesslie, one of the best eye doctors in North Charleston, our team is committed to providing customized care for every child, whether they’re non-verbal, have ADHD or autism, or simply haven’t learned their letters yet.
When Should My Child See an Eye Doctor?
Early eye exams are essential. While many parents assume a child needs to read or talk to get an eye exam, that’s not the case. We use objective, non-verbal techniques to assess visual health, making early visits not only possible but important.
What Happens During a Toddler’s Eye Exam?
Even if your child can’t read or communicate verbally, we can perform a comprehensive evaluation using light tracking, pupil response testing, and internal eye assessments.
This process allows us to check for:
- Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
- Eye alignment and teaming
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Developmental vision delays
No responses or letter recognition are required, just a bit of cooperation and comfort.
Pediatric Vision Care for Kids with ADHD or Autism
Children with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing challenges often need a tailored approach to eye care.
We take the time to understand your child’s needs and offer a calming, judgment-free environment that encourages trust and reduces stress.
How Screen Time Affects Children’s Eyes
Today’s children are surrounded by screens—at school, home, and everywhere in between. And yes, too much screen time can impact their eyesight.
Increased screen use is linked to digital eye strain and a growing risk of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Encourage your child to play outdoors and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Choosing the Right Glasses for Your Child
If your child needs corrective lenses, lens material matters. For safety and durability, Dr. Lesslie recommends:
“Polycarb.”
Polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant, lightweight, and ideal for active kids.
Looking for a Pediatric Optometrist Near You?
At Lesslie Vision Care, we take pride in offering compassionate, expert vision care for children in North Charleston. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or you’re looking for ongoing pediatric care, our team is here to help.
We're your local source for:
- Pediatric eye exams
- Children’s glasses and frames
- Vision therapy referrals (if needed)
- Preventive care and eye health education
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What age should my child get their first eye exam? A: Around two years old. We begin seeing patients at this age using specialized techniques.
Q: What if my child has special needs like ADHD or autism? A: Our exams are adapted for each child. We use objective testing suited for non-verbal or neurodivergent children.
Q: Can screen time really hurt my child’s eyes? A: Yes. Excessive screen use contributes to myopia and eye strain. Outdoor play and screen limits help.
Q: What are the safest lenses for kids? A: Polycarbonate lenses are best; they’re durable, lightweight, and shatter-resistant.