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Frequently Asked Questions
Children
Why should your child see an eye doctor?
When should your child's eyes be examined?
How can you tell if your infant has a vision problem?
What are the clues that your child may have a vision problem?
When should your child see an eye doctor?
Why should your child see an eye doctor?
At the time of birth a child's vision is not fully developed. Major changes
take place in the first few years of life. Significant eye problems in
very young children are relatively uncommon (except for crossed eyes)
but, when present, they must be treated very early in life. Otherwise,
vision does not develop in the problem eye. The loss of sight in that
eye is permanent and cannot be corrected with glasses ("lazy eye").
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When should your child's eyes be examined?
Infants and children need to have their eyes examined between 3 and 6
months of age. A follow up exam by age 3 years is prudent. Pediatricians
often do these early exams. Before beginning school it is prudent to have
the child examined by an eye doctor.
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How can you tell if your infant has an eye problem?
- Poor focus on objects after 3 months of age.
- Eyes are not straight.
- An eyelid droops.
- Eyes water with overflow tearing.
- There is a family history of serious eye problems.
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What are the clues that your child may have a vision problem?
- The eye is red, with or without discharge.
- The child squints to read or see small objects.
- Excessive blinking.
- Complaints of blurred distance vision.
- Complaints of headaches.
- Complaints of double vision.
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When should your child see an eye doctor?
- Just before they enter school.
- Whenever you suspect there is a vision problem, particularly if the child is struggling with schoolwork.