Parental Magazine

Eye Care For Toddlers: What To Watch For And How To Know whether Something Is Wrong?

December 7, 2009 · Print This Article

While all parents concern about whether their child will have vision problems, there are a few simple things you can watch for whether you are concerned that your child has vision problems.

The first step is to understand what the normal stage of vision are beginning at a baby and moving up to a toddler.

Consider the following things you can watch for and things you can do whether you believe that something is wrong.

The First Stages of Sight

As soon as a baby is born they should be able to see shapes, light, and dark. In fact a newborn baby actually has the ability to bring objects or folks in to focus for short periods of moment. Within the first week your baby should start to focus on your face more often and reply to facial changes you compose.

For example, the baby should reply to you when you are talking to them by looking at your face and possibly making faces of their own. You may even see the beginning of a smile.

By the duration your baby is a month old he or she should turn their head to find you at the sound of your voice. They will plus start to follow objects as they are moved in front of them. At the age of six months your child should be aware of their own hands and toys[baby toys] that are given to them.

When Should You be Concerned?

While all babies will develop and reply at their own pace, there are assured things that should throw up a red flag.

whether by the age of three months your child doesn’t focus on your face or follow you when you move your head back and forth you may need to see a doctor or optometrist.

There are eye tests that can be done on babies that are non-invasive and simple. These tests will give you an concept of the state of your child’s vision. However, your doctor should additionally be checking your child’s eyes at regular checkups to see whether there are any signs that something is wrong.

Watching For Infection and Injury

While infection and injury can occur in babies and toddlers, there are normally very clear signs that something is wrong. whether your child’s eye seems red, puffy, or irritated that can be a sign that something is wrong.

However, it is not strange for a baby or toddler to scratch their eye or irritate it in the same way an adult would.

If the redness or irritation does persist you should signal your pediatrician for suggestions as to what should be done. You should additionally contact your doctor immediately whether you see a change in the color of your child’s eye or discharge draining from one or both eyes.

Visiting the Optometrist for the First Time

It is recommended that you schedule your child’s first eye doctor visit around the age of three. At that age most children can identify shapes or pictures on an eye chart. They are plus able to state whether something hurts or causes discomfort. However, it is never too soon to be concerned with your child’s vision.


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