Since vision problems can begin at an early age, it is very important that children receive proper eye care. Untreated eye problems can worsen and lead to other serious problems, including permanent loss of vision and delayed development.
Because it is possible for your child to have a serious vision problem without being aware of it, all children should have their eyes screened before age 5 by an eye care professional, primary care provider, family physician, pediatrician or trained screener for:
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid)
- Refractive Errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism)
If there is a family history of vision problems or if your child appears to have any of the above conditions speak to your Eye M.D. promptly about when and how often your child's eyes should be examined.
Vision problems in children can be serious, but if caught in time and treated early your child's good vision can be protected. So, make sure to have your child's eyes screened.
Your child's toys could also present a hidden danger to his or her eyes. Make sure toys and gifts are appropriate for your child's age and maturity level. And avoid toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.
Sports can also endanger your child's eyes. Sports are the leading cause of eye injuries in children. To protect them form this danger, your child should wear appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses or shields when playing on the field, in the yard or on the court.
All Vision Awareness Topics:
Glaucoma
Save Your Vision
Low Vision/Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Sports Eye Safety
Healthy Vision
Fireworks Eye Safety
Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) Safety
Cataract Awareness
Children's Eye Health & Safety
Eye Injury Prevention
Diabetic Eye Disease
Safe Toys & Celebrations
