When our little one looks at the world, every blink of an eye seems to tell a new story. But what if the world becomes a blur in their eyes? As a grandparents, grandparents, and grandparents, other than the baby's vision problems? Have we ever thought deeply about this question?
Let me take you back to a simple scene: on a leisurely afternoon, the little grandson sits in front of the TV, his eyes glued to the screen, seemingly cut off from the world. You might think, this kid is really focused. But behind this, there may be hidden secret signals of vision development. Did he approach the TV because of interest, or because he couldn't see clearly?
Vision is an important window for infants and toddlers to perceive the world. From birth to 3 years of age, a child's vision undergoes a rapid stage of development. When babies are born, they can only see objects 8 to 12 inches away, which is exactly the distance they can see their mother's face when they are in their arms. Over time, the baby's eyesight gradually improves, and they begin to be able to recognize objects farther away and more complex shapes.
By 6 months of age, most babies have vision that develops enough to accurately track moving objects and begin to visually explore their environment. Around the age of one, a child's vision is usually developed enough to recognize distant people and objects. It is important to note that this process of vision growth requires appropriate stimulation and environment, such as ample light and a colorful visual environment.
Eye Alert: Alert to abnormal vision in infants and young children
While every child develops at a different rate, certain signs may indicate an abnormality in vision development. Common vision problems in infants and young children include strabismus (eyes that are biased in different directions), refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism), and amblyopia (vision development in one eye is not as good as in the other). These problems, if not detected in time, can affect the child's vision development and even lead to permanent vision damage.
Parents and caregivers should pay close attention to their child's eye behavior. For example, if a child squints a lot, tilts his or her head a lot, always seems to have one eye to one side, or fails a vision test during a routine pediatric exam, it could be a sign of abnormal vision development. In addition, frequent eye rubbing, red, swollen or watery eyes may also be a cause for concern.
If parents notice any of the above signs, they should take their children for a professional eye examination in time. Early detection and intervention of vision problems is essential to protect and promote normal vision development in children. With timely professional assessment and necessary interventions, many vision problems can be effectively addressed or mitigated, laying a strong foundation for your child's future vision health.
Necessity and timing
Professional eye examinations are essential for early detection and intervention of vision abnormalities in infants and young children.
It is recommended that the first eye examination be done 6 months after the birth of the child, and then regular follow-up according to the doctor's recommendations.
Even if there are no obvious signs of vision problems, regular professional check-ups are necessary, as some vision problems may not be easily detected by parents at an early stage.
Check the contents
Inspections include, but are not limited to:Vision level, eye movements, response to light, and retinal health.
Use child-appropriate equipment and methods to ensure accuracy and your child's comfort.
Specialized tests can identify underlying inherited vision problems and developmental abnormalities.
Prevention in everyday life
Limit prolonged exposure to electronic screens to prevent eye fatigue and the development of myopia.
Outdoor activities are encouraged, and natural light is beneficial for eye health and also contributes to the overall development of vision.
Nutrition and vision.
Make sure your child is getting plenty of nutrients, especially foods that are good for eye health, such as carrots rich in vitamin A and fish rich in omega-3s.
Appropriate supplementation of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, can be specifically recommended from your doctor.
Adjustment of the home environment
Make sure your child has plenty of light when reading and playing, and avoid using their eyes in dim environments.
Risk factors that can cause eye injury, such as sharp corners and fragile objects, should be reduced in the home environment.
Through the above measures, parents can not only help to detect their children's vision problems in time, but also effectively prevent the occurrence of abnormal vision in daily life, providing a solid foundation for the healthy growth of children's vision.