Warning Signs of Vision Problems in Infants and Children

Early eye exams by your child’s eye doctor are an important way to identify any problems with your child’s vision. If detected immediately, these ocular issues have a higher chance of being treated successfully.

What are the early warning signs of a vision problem?

Infants (Up to 1 year)

• At 3-4 months, babies should be able to track objects as they move across their field of vision. If your child is unable to make steady eye contact by this time or seems unable to see this should mark as a warning sign.
• Before 4 months, your child’s eyes may occasionally look misaligned. If, however, after 4 months, you notice any inward crossing or outward drifting this could be a sign of an emerging vision problem.

Early detection is key!  If either of these scenarios occur please contact one of our friendly and experienced children’s eye doctors for an eye exam to make certain that corrective measures are taken as soon as possible.  

Pre-School Children

Many vision impairments can be detected by observing the pattern of your childrens eyes, however vision problems such as amblyopia (lazy eye) often have no warning signs.

That’s why it’s important to schedule regular eye exams for your child and ensure their vision is tested at least once between the ages of 2-5 years old.

(See: When Should Your Child Have Their Eyes Checked?)

At our eye clinic in Market Mall, our qualified eye doctors use specially designed tests to accurately assess the health of your child’s eyes, even if they cannot read yet.

All Children

If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, let your children’s eye doctor know as they could be a sign of nearsightedness, farsightedness or another visual problem.

• Eyes that are misaligned (look crossed, turn out or don’t focus together)
• Sitting too close to the television or holding a book too close when reading
• Constant eye rubbing
• Light sensitivity
• Excessive tearing
• Eye pain, itchiness or any discomfort as reported by your child
• Squinting or tilting their head to see better
• Drooping eyelids
• Redness in the eyes which doesn’t go away

Our eye doctors can help determine whether or not your child has a visual impairment and may examine your child’s eyes, screen his/her vision or refer you to an ophthalmologist if required.

If you have a family history of certain visual problems such as strabismus (crossed eyes), it is important to let our eye doctors know.

(See: Complete article on what to expect from a children’s eye exam)

To talk to one of our professional Optometrists or to book a children’s eye exam, contact our NW Calgary Eye Clinic today at 403-286-4884.