Should My Child Be Examined?
It's Never Too Early To Check Your Child's Vision
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has identified risk factors, which indicate the need for babies and children to have examinations by an ophthalmologist (medical eye specialist). This exam should be performed as soon as the risk factor is identified.
Below is a checklist for childhood eye disease. Check each factor, which applies to your child.
Signs of Childhood Eye Disease
Family History
- Family member having worn glasses in early childhood (hyperopia-farsightedness, myopia-nearsightedness, and astigmatism)
- Family history of amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Family history of strabismus (misaligned eyes)
- Family history of retinoblastoma, infantile cataracts or juvenile glaucoma
Child's Health
Abnormal vision screening - Systemic disease (for example: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Diabetes)
- Premature birth
- Neurological and developmental delays (for example: Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome)
- Use of systemic medications like steroids
Symptoms
- Wandering or crossed eyes (highlight and click for description)
- Unexplained clumsiness or headaches
- Light sensitivity
- Poor tracking of the eyes
- Squinting