Pediatric Eye Care

Vision problems affect one in twenty preschoolers and one in four school-aged children.
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 four-five 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 doctor 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 vision can be protected.

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 from 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.