Learn to identify common vision problems in children younger than 4 years of age. By recognizing vision problems and their symptoms early on, you will know when your child needs to see an eye doctor.
How developed is my child’s vision?
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 the distance of people or things.
By about 1 year of age, children have “adult-like” vision. They are able to judge distances, and they have good eye-hand-body coordination for grasping, holding and throwing things.
During the preschool years, children develop vision skills needed for eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills. They also learn how to recognize colours, shapes, letters and numbers.
Children’s vision continues to develop until they are about 8 years old. After that age, eyesight development is complete and it cannot be corrected easily.
Should vision problems be corrected at an early age?
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 result in permanent vision damage if they are not corrected early:
- Crossed eyes (strabismus) is a condition where the eye muscles point one or both eyes in the wrong direction
- Lazy eye (amblyopia) is a condition where the vision in one eye is weaker than the other eye. The child's brain ignores the weak eye and uses the strong eye to see. If untreated, the child's brain develops a clear picture in the good eye and a blurry picture in the weak eye
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, especially if you notice any concerns.
What are some vision problems and their symptoms?
Your child should see your family health care provider or eye doctor if you notice any of these signs or symptoms:
- Red, itchy, watery eyes or have discharge
- Squinting or rubbing the eyes
- Excessive blinking
- Drooping upper eyelid
- Covering or closing one eye
- Tilting or holding the head in an unusual position
- Sensitivity to light
- Lack of concentration
- Holding objects too close
- Complaining of a sore head
- Avoiding activities needing distance vision
- Difficulty finding or picking up small objects
- Trouble focusing or making eye contact
- Eyes appear crossed or turned
- Difficulty following objects or people
- Avoiding books or screens
- Bumping into things
What can I expect at my child's vision test?
Your child can have a vision test or eye exam even if your child does not talk or read yet. An eye exam will not be uncomfortable for your child. The eye doctor will show your child the equipment before the tests.
The screening may check your child's:
- Eye health
- Eye muscle movement
- Ability to see clearly
- Ability to tell the distance of objects
- Ability to see colours
How can I help to prevent eye injuries for my child?
You can prevent eye injuries and increase eye safety for children.
- Do not allow your child to play with sharp items such as darts, scissors or sharp toys. The use of age-appropriate scissors should be supervised
- Keep your child or toddler away from older children who are playing with sharp objects
- Teach children not to walk or run while carrying sharp objects, such as pencils, popsicle sticks or scissors
- Keep your child away from power tools, lawn mowers, or chemicals
- Limit your child’s screen viewing to no more than 1 hour per day for ages 2 to 4. Screen time before the age of 2 is not recommended
- Keep children at least 3 metres (8 to 10 feet) away from the TV screen. Place the television in a spot that reduces glare or use soft lighting
What about wearing sunglasses and other types of protection?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause eye damage, as well as harm the skin. Sunglasses are recommended for children and adults. To protect eyes, sunglasses should:
- Have large lenses and a wraparound design, fully covering the eyes
- Fit well and be comfortable
- Have labels with 99 to 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection
- Come off easily if any cords or strings are attached and pulled. There is a risk of strangulation if the cords or strings do not come off easily
If your child wears corrective lenses or glasses, make sure they have UV protection.
Hats that shade the face and eyes may provide better sun protection. Hats can be easier for children to keep on than sunglasses.
Could my child be colour blind?
Some children, boys more often than girls, have trouble seeing certain colours. Your child can have a simple colour vision test by an eye doctor to check for any concerns.
For More Information
For more information, see:
- HealthLinkBC File #11 Ultraviolet Radiation
- HealthLinkBC File #53b Elementary School Age Children and Their Vision
For information on vision screening, contact your local public health unit.
To find an optometrist in your area, contact the BC Doctors of Optometry at 604 737-9907 or toll-free 1 888 393-2226, or visit bc.doctorsofoptometry.ca
