ABOUT CHILDREN’S EYES

Babies

At birth your child’s eyes should be examined for signs of congenital eye problems. These problems are rare but should be caught early to ensure proper development. The American Optometric Association recommends your child’s first thorough eye exam around 6 months of age. At Edge Optics, Dr. Bryant will look for excessive or unequal amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Also, eye movement ability and eye health problems will be checked to make sure their vision is normal.

First Months

During the first months of life, keep toys and activities within your child’s line of sight, and about 8-12 inches from their face. Encourage eye strength by giving them toys and playing games that promote hand-eye coordination; play, talk, and feed them from both left and right sides, and give them visually stimulating toys like mobiles above and outside of the crib.

Children’s Eyes – Ages 1-3

Continue encouraging your child’s exploration and growth with their eyes! Your child’s hand-eye coordination and depth perception will continue to develop with exercise, games and various toys. Encourage lots of activity and crawling/walking! You can make a difference!

Children’s Eyes – Age 5 or 6

As long as your child doesn’t complain of headaches or not being able to see they shouldn’t have to come back for an eye exam until around age 5 or 6, before they begin school. Children that spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop short-sightedness (myopia), so get outside often!

Children’s Eyes – Age 7 and older

Annual eye exams are recommended because changes in the eye happen so rapidly in growing children (sometimes there are marked changes in as little as 3 or 4 months). Listen to your child if they are feeling uncomfortable or having trouble at school or playing sports. This could be the culprit!