Eyesight is important, there’s no doubt about that. As your baby grows and begins exploring their surroundings, they may walk into furniture or walls. You may start to think something isn’t right with how they are experiencing the world.
While some behaviours are typical to a baby or toddler, there is certainly the possibility that your child may have a problem with their vision. Afterall, a large number of vision issues start at a young age and may persist into adulthood if left untreated.
Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, your child should have an eye exam between 1 to 2 years of age.
What Are the Signs I Should be Looking For?
Babies with vision problems have likely never experienced perfect vision. As such, it’s not likely for them to communicate with you that they’re experiencing trouble. That is, after all, if they can talk.
Thankfully, there are a few signs you can keep an eye out for to determine whether or not your child is having difficulty seeing properly.
Common Signs & Symptoms
Ask yourself the following questions when looking for signs that your child may be having problems with their vision:
- Is your child unusually clumsy?
- Does your child fail to notice his or her surroundings?
- Are they squinting in low-light environments?
- Does your child consistently rub his or her eyes, even when they’re not tired?
- Do your child’s eyes tear excessively when they are not crying?
- Does your child experience frequent eye infections? Swollen eyelids?
- Do your child’s eyes bulge, bounce, or dance with regular movements?
- Does your child cover one eye or shut one when focusing on an object?
- Does your child avoid play that requires good vision, such as looking at books?
- Does your child sit extremely close to the television?
- Do your child’s eyes appear mismatched or crossed?
- Have you notice their pupils are not the same size or do they appear white instead of black?
Next Steps
Answering yes to any of these questions does not definitively mean your child has vision problems. In fact, a number of the questions above relate to common behaviours of a young child. The above questions should only be answered yes if the implied action is repeated excessively.
For instance, it is perfectly normal for a baby to appear cross-eyed up until about 4 months of age. This is because they are getting used to making their eyes work together. However, if the crossed-eyes persist much longer after that, it may be a sign your baby has developed strabismus.
Visiting Our Optometrist
If you answered yes to any of the questions above after noticing the implied action being repeated numerous times, it might be time to bring your baby in for an eye examination.
By scheduling an eye examination, you provide your baby with the opportunity of receiving an early diagnosis of any possible vision problems they’re experiencing. With an early diagnosis, your baby’s chances of receiving treatment resulting in perfect vision is much greater than if left untreated for a period of time.
Don’t wait. Your child’s vision is important and will directly impact their quality of life. Our Optometrists are well equipped and trained to provide you with the quality of care you and your child deserve.