you’re the parent of an infant, you know to begin regular medical
checkups shortly after your child is born. Dental checkups are
required, in many cases, before your child enters kindergarten. But
what about eye examinations for infants and toddlers?
Even if no eye
or vision problems are apparent, the American Optometric Association
recommends scheduling your baby’s first eye assessment at 6 months
of age. At that time, an optometrist can
your child can see out of both eyes, if your child uses both eyes for
binocular vision, or if more serious medical conditions of the eye are
present. Vision development and eye health problems are easier to
correct if treatment begins early.
aware of these warning signs, you can also limit screen time,
especially before bedtime when little eyes are tired. iPhones and
iPads emit blue light, which can adversely affect vision development.
You can also urge your children to go outside and play. Too much
computer or TV doesn’t promote the distance vision training we all
of vision problems is critical, says Cindy Seemann, a pediatric
optician and owner of Kids Optique, a division of Design Vision
Optical, in Wauwatosa. "(Eyesight) affects their confidence in
school and in their social life," she says. "It allows them
to participate in sports or hobbies that were closed off to them
critical reason for early eye examinations is that many professionals
are beginning to believe there is a correlation between children who
have never had an eye exam and those that are labeled "slow"
or "special" or prescribed medication for ADHD or similar
conditions. "It’s as simple as, ‘Can they see what they’re
supposed to be looking at?’" says Dr. Amy Jankowski, a doctor
of optometry and owner of Metro Eye in Milwaukee’s Historic Third
Ward. "If a child can’t see, he can’t read, and he can’t do
his homework. We need them to spend their time comprehending what they’re
reading instead of just trying to see the words.
children are getting special help with reading and math who have never
had an eye exam," she adds.
and Seemann are enthusiastic supporters of InfantSEE, a public health
program designed to ensure that eye and vision care become an
essential part of infant wellness care to improve a child’s quality
of life. Under this program, participating optometrists provide a
comprehensive infant eye assessment between 6 and 12 months of age as
a no-cost public service. Periodic follow-up exams are also part of
the program. Jankowski is an InfantSEE provider at her office. To find
a provider near you, go to infantsee.org. m