|
This BC HealthFile helps identify common vision problems in children under 4 years of age. These problems can go unnoticed if you do not know the signs or symptoms.
Babies can see at birth, but they have to learn to use their eyes. They have to learn how to focus, track objects, and use both eyes together. Babies learn eye-hand coordination and how close or far things are. By about 12 months, your child has “adult-like” vision. They are able to judge distances, and have good eye-hand-body coordination for grasping and throwing things.
During the preschool years, your child develops vision skills needed for eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills and learning to read. Children’s vision continues to develop until about 8 years of age. After that, eyesight development is complete and cannot be corrected easily.
Yes. Some vision problems need to be corrected at an early age. Some vision problems or changes can be difficult to detect or notice without testing. Some problems can end in permanent vision damage if not corrected early enough.
|
|
| Vision problems often have a family history. If you know of vision problems in your family, your child's eyes should be examined by an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) by 3 years of age or earlier if you notice any concerns. |
Your child should see your family doctor or eye doctor if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
Your child can have a vision test or eye exam even if your child does not talk or read yet. Vision screening or eye exams will not be uncomfortable for your child. The public health staff or eye doctor will show your child the equipment before the tests.
The screening may check your child's:
You can prevent eye injuries and increase eye safety for children.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause eye damage, as well as harm your skin. Sunglasses are recommended for children and adults. To protect eyes, sunglasses should:
If your child wears corrective lenses or glasses, check these for UV protection.
Hats with peaks that shade the face and eyes are easier for children to keep on than sunglasses, and may therefore offer better sun protection.
Some children, mostly boys, have trouble seeing certain colours. Your child can have a simple colour vision test by an eye doctor to check for concerns.
For information on vision screening in your health authority, please contact your local public health unit.
To find an optometrist in your area, contact the BC Association of Optometrists at 604-737-9907, or toll-free 1-888-393-2226, or visit www.optometrists.bc.ca.
For more information on ultraviolet radiation and eyesight, see BC HealthFile
#11 Ultraviolet Light. See also BC
HealthFile #53b Elementary School Age
Children and Their Eyes.
English