Clear vision isn’t something we should take for granted—and neither is eye health. At Antoine Eye Care, located inside LensCrafters at the St. Louis Galleria, Dr. Michael Antoine and his team make it easy for families to stay on top of their vision care with personalized, comprehensive eye exams for both children and adults.
Whether you’re wondering when your child needs their first exam or it’s been a while since your own check-up, here’s what you need to know about keeping your family’s eyes healthy.
When Should Children Have Their First Eye Exam?
According to Dr. Antoine, children should have their first eye exam at around age three. Early vision screenings allow optometrists to catch and address issues that could interfere with a child’s development.
“It’s super important to be proactive and not wait for an issue to arise,” Dr. Antoine explains. “By the time symptoms show up, a child may already be falling behind academically.”
Even if your child doesn’t show signs of vision trouble, annual exams are recommended. Many common pediatric vision issues—like lazy eye, eye teaming problems, or uncorrected refractive errors—can go unnoticed without a full exam.
Why Adults Also Need Annual Eye Exams
You may think your vision is fine—but that doesn’t mean your eyes are healthy. Dr. Antoine recommends comprehensive exams once a year, even for adults with no obvious symptoms.
“If you want to see your best, it’s best to have a comprehensive examination annually,” he says. These visits not only keep prescriptions current but also help detect early signs of serious eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
School Screenings Aren’t Enough
While school vision screenings are a helpful first step, they’re no substitute for a full eye exam.
“A vision screening is the most basic check—it won’t catch everything,” Dr. Antoine warns. “They’re not accurate enough to detect the majority of vision issues we see in practice.”
A complete eye exam includes a detailed look at eye health, how the eyes work together, and your child’s ability to focus and track properly—critical skills for learning.
Don’t Ignore Symptoms or Family History
If you or your child is experiencing frequent headaches, squinting, or eye fatigue—especially during reading or screen use—an eye exam may reveal the cause.
“Sometimes, symptoms like headaches are just eye strain,” says Dr. Antoine. “That can often be corrected with glasses.”
Genetics also play a role. If vision problems run in the family, your child may be more likely to develop them too. Early exams are essential for monitoring changes over time.
Comprehensive Care at Antoine Eye Care
Since 2004, we have served the St. Louis community with expert care and state-of-the-art technology. From pediatric exams to adult vision checks and medical eye evaluations, Dr. Antoine and his team offer personalized solutions for every patient.
Located inside LensCrafters at the St. Louis Galleria, the practice makes scheduling convenient for busy families. The clinic also provides contact lens fittings and is certified in the treatment and management of ocular diseases.
Book Your Family’s Eye Exams in St. Louis
Healthy vision starts with regular exams. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or your annual check-up, Antoine Eye Care is here to help you see clearly—now and in the future.
📍 Visit: Antoine Eye Care inside LensCrafters, St. Louis Galleria
📞 Call: 314-375-2255 to schedule an appointment
Make your family’s eye health a priority. Early detection leads to lifelong protection.