The Importance Of Vision Screening For Infants

Undetected vision problems can affect children in every aspect of their lives. Even as an infant, poor vision can affect a child’s behavior, learning and development, and much more.

According to the American Optometric Association, infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at the age of six months. Unfortunately, 85 percent of America’s preschoolers don’t receive their first eye exam until age five. Studies also found that five to 10 percent of preschoolers and 25 percent of school-aged children have vision problems. Coincidence? We don’t think so.

Early Detection Is Key

Early detection, even when symptoms are not apparent, will improve your child’s quality of life. Even to the most observant parent, certain vision problems aren’t always obvious and can only be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Vision problems can manifest themselves many ways.

Take the viral sensation, baby Piper, as an example! Piper’s parents said she was struggling to meet certain milestones normal for her age, such as crawling. The pediatrician recommended an eye exam and the optometrist discovered that Piper was farsighted. Her reaction to seeing clearly for the first time is heartwarming:

Whether your child is exhibiting symptoms of poor vision or not, get them to an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam as early as six months. They may need glasses, or other corrective treatments, just like Piper did!

Be On The Lookout For Signs

Although you should take your infant for an eye exam as early as six months regardless of whether or not they exhibit symptoms of poor eyesight, here are a few signs you should be on the lookout for as a parent:

• Crossed eyes
• Inability to focus well on objects
• Droopy eyelids
• Family history of serious eye problems
• Excessively watery or red eyes

Whether symptoms are present or not, get your child on the right track for vigilant, lifelong eye health as early as possible.

Healthy Vision, Happy Baby

Piper is just one of the many infants that has benefited from her parents’ decision to take her to the optometrist for an in-depth eye exam. Early detection of vision problems is crucial because children are more responsive to treatment when they are young. If caught early, most eye conditions can be corrected. Just like Piper, we want your child to have the vision they deserve. Make your child a happy baby. Give them the gift of clear vision and healthy eyes!

Thank you for reading our blog and being a valued patient and friend.

Top image by Flickr user Abigail Batchelder used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.