Pediatric Eye Care

Infants
Babies have poor vision at birth but can see faces at close range, even in the newborn nursery. At about 2 months of age a baby's eyes begin to follow objects and by four months should work together. Over the first year or two, their vision develops rapidly. A two-year-old usually sees around 20/30, nearly the same as an adult.

Parents should be aware of signals of poor vision. Crossing or drifting of an eye can be a signal of poor vision. If a child is not interested in faces or age-appropriate toys poor vision should be suspected. Other signs to watch for are squinting, head turn, head tilt, or abnormal eye movements. Babies and toddlers compensate for poor vision rather than complain about it.

Our doctors can determine if a baby needs glasses, by dilating the eyes and analyzing the light reflected through the pupil from the back of the eye.

Children
Children may need glasses for farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism. Farsightedness is normal in young children and often does not require glasses. Nearsightedness typically begins between ages 8 and 12 and often progresses during adolescents. Astigmatism (oval shaped corneas) requires corrections if moderate to severe. Children do not become dependant on glasses, and progression of refractive error is unrelated to wearing glasses.

Uncorrected refractive error (usually farsightedness) can result in crossing of the eyes. This condition typically begins about age 2 and initially is intermittent. Prompt examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist is indicated to initiate treatment and to limit the development of amblyopia. Amblyopia (often referred to lazy eye) develops when one is under used during childhood. Unless adequately treated before age 8 the poor vision will persist into adulthood.

Children who do not see well with one eye should wear safety glasses to protect the fellow eye.

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
Every child should have a dilated pediatric eye examination prior to starting kindergarten.

Children with close relatives (parents, siblings, cousins) who have amblyopia (poor vision in one eye or lazy eye) or strabismus (misaligned eyes) should be examined by 1 year of age or sooner if a problem is suspected by the parents or the child's pediatrician.

The frequency for eye examinations is generally every 1-2 years, but can vary depending on your child's vision, and if they have any eye disorders.

Does My Child Need Glasses?
Glasses are prescribed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (irregularly shaped eyes resulting in blurred vision).

Children particularly at risk for needing glasses are those who were born premature, have family members who wear glasses, have strabismus, or show behavior consistent with poor vision such as squinting.

Our pediatric ophthalmologists can check health of your child's eyes and determine if they require glasses.