Children & Infants
Infants, children and teenagers place very different demands on their eyes than adults do. Some vision problems are highly treatable when caught early. Amblyopia (lazy eye), for instance, can be treated before the age of 7 but becomes irreversible once a child is older.
Because a child cannot always tell you something is wrong, our approach is patient and playful. At My Vision Eye Care, vision is assessed with special eye charts chosen for the child’s age and level of co-operation, so even shy or very young children can be examined without stress.
Just as importantly, parents and guardians go home knowing the signs that their child needs an eye examination, along with practical tips to protect young eyesight from harmful visual habits and injury.
Children & Infants — your questions answered
How is vision associated with a child’s development?
Good vision is key to a child’s physical and overall development. If a young child’s eyes cannot send clear images to the brain, vision may become limited in ways that cannot be corrected later in life.
Is it possible to improve a child’s vision?
Yes. If a problem is detected early, it is usually possible to treat it effectively. In some situations vision can be improved if a lazy eye is detected before 7 years of age.
What is the commonest cause of blurred vision in children?
Refractive errors are one common cause, so it’s important for your child to be examined right away if they have symptoms.
What are the common refractive errors in children?
- Myopia (nearsightedness): the child sees close objects clearly but distant objects appear blurred.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): often associated with headache; a cycloplegic refraction may be needed to detect it.
- Astigmatism (distorted vision): distorts or blurs both near and far vision.
When do parents need to take their child for an eye exam?
Seek an ophthalmologist’s opinion if:
- Your child fails a vision screening, or it is inconclusive or cannot be performed.
- Your child is referred by a paediatrician or school nurse.
- Your child has a vision complaint, abnormal visual behaviour, or is at risk of eye problems.
- Your child has a medical condition such as Down syndrome, prematurity, juvenile idiopathic arthritis or neurofibromatosis.
- There is a family history of amblyopia, strabismus, retinoblastoma, congenital cataract or congenital glaucoma.
- Your child has a learning disability, developmental delay, neuropsychological condition or behavioural issue.
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