As a parent, being vigilant for signs of vision problems in your child is crucial, as they may not always be able to articulate their difficulties. Here are some pointers for different age groups:
Babies:
Eye Movements: Occasional wandering, crossing, or unfocused eyes are normal. However, constant drifting may indicate a concern.
Developmental Milestones: By four months old, babies should track objects and make steady eye contact. Rapid eye movements or random wandering may signal issues.
Symptoms to Watch: Extreme light sensitivity, white/cloudy pupils, excessive tearing, or red, crusty eyes should be examined promptly by an optometrist.
First Eye Exam: Schedule your baby's first eye exam between six and nine months old per recommendations from the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
Preschoolers:
Developmental Stage: Between two and five years old, watch for difficulties in recognizing colors, shapes, letters, and numbers, which could indicate vision impairments.
Behavioral Signs: Sitting too close to screens, squinting, tilting the head, rubbing eyes, difficulty concentrating, or frequent headaches may suggest vision issues.
Underlying Conditions: Nearsightedness, refractive errors, lazy eye (amblyopia), eye fatigue, accommodative dysfunction, or overexertion due to unclear vision might be the cause.
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to arrange a visit with an optometrist promptly. Early detection and intervention can significantly impact your child's visual health and overall development.
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