Visiting The Eye Doctor: What You Need To Know About Your Child's Vision Milestones
by Vernon Chambers
Eye doctor exams aren't just for adults. Your child needs to see clearly too. Whether it's getting a good look what the teacher is writing on the board at school or being able to read a book, your child's vision is important. You hear (and read) about major milestones that most kids should meet. These typically include developments such as walking or talking. But, what about vision milestones? Knowing what to expect and when can help you better understand what the optometrist expects for your child's vision.
Your Baby's Vision
Your child wasn't born with adult-level vision. Newborns can't see far, and won't be able to focus more than 6 to 10 inches away. Even though your baby's eyes may seem like they're wandering at first, she'll develop the ability to actually track objects (visually) around 3 months, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). At 5 months your baby starts developing depth perception abilities (this means they'll finally be able to see in three dimensions). By 12-months your almost-toddler is now able to better judge distances. This development will help as they standing and walking.
Your Toddler's and Preschooler's Vision
Between the ages of 2 and 5 years, your child is refining the vision abilities they developed in the first two years of life. Eye-hand coordination is building and they now have the perception skills that they'll need to read and write.
Your Older Child's Vision
Children in kindergarten and up should have complete depth perception and the ability to see well enough to read and write. Almost 80 percent of your child's learning requires the use of vision, according to the AOA. This means that there are a growing number of demands being placed on your child's eyes. From using a computer to writing out assignments, your child's eyes are getting a workout. On top of more use, your child will need to adjust to reading smaller print (in school books and other texts) as they get older and move up through the grade levels. For most children, this isn't an issue.
If you do notice that your child is struggling to make vision adjustments (such as meeting new milestones) or is complaining that they can't see clearly, it's time to make a trip to the eye doctor. Keep in mind, only a trained, licensed professional can diagnose a vision issue. An optometrist like De Venuto Joseph J has the knowledge and skills to successfully help your child stay on track and see the best they can as they grow and develop.
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About Me
When our child was diagnosed with a debilitating eye condition, I knew I needed to start looking around for a great eye doctor. I did my research regarding the kinds of training eye doctors typically received, and then looked for a professional that really exceeded the expectations required of him. I was able to find an amazing eye doctor that had years of treating the same condition my child had, and it was really comforting to know that he could help them. My optometrist has made my child's disability management much more straightforward. Check out these posts to learn how to find a better eye doctor.