Children and Eyes: What You Need To Know
Just because she is a baby does not mean that her eye care is not just as important. From the moment the sperm fertilized the egg, her body has been forming and growing. In a matter of weeks, her eye begins to develop and continues this development up until around the age of three. At three years of age her vision is the same as an adult.
Birth is a hectic time for a baby. She has left the protected womb to venture outside into a world of flashing lights and strange sounds. The pediatric team will evaluate her for any visible abnormalities. If there are signs of a defect with her vision, or a hereditary defect, the pediatrician will recommend further testing. Eye exams are given periodically, six months, three years and then every year after five, to ensure that the eye is developing normally and that there are no obvious visual problems.
When the child becomes of age to begin school, often the teacher notices if the child has problems with his or her vision. It might come through a reluctance to try to read the blackboard or squinting to see words printed on a piece of paper. The teacher either will then usually talk with the parents about the problem or will send a note home advising of the need for an eye exam. The actual eye exam may be different from that of an adult. If the child cannot read, then shapes will take the place of the more common letters. The exam is a little bit more difficult for the eye care professional because of the communication level. If a vision problem is detected, the eye doctor may or may not recommend glasses. Often a vision problem is just age associated and the doctor may elect to wait to see if the child outgrows it. Otherwise eyeglasses are prescribed.
The eyes and vision is a valued asset. From the moment of birth, they are our windows to the outside world. It is through them that we know colors and brightness. A baby’s eyes will develop and absorb the outside world. The parents, teachers and doctors will monitor the child in order to assure that the eyes and vision are working properly without defect. Eye exams are essential for everyone.
