From ages 2 to 5, a child will be fine-tuning the visual abilities gained during infancy and developing new ones.The preschool years are a time for developing the visual abilities that a child will need in school and throughout their lives. If needed, your doctor of optometry can prescribe treatment, including eyeglasses and/or vision therapy, to correct a vision development problem. Help to ensure that their vision is developing normally so that they may have a good “head start” for school.

According to the American Public Health Association, about 10% of preschoolers have eye or vision problems.

Parents should watch for the following signs:

  • Squinting
  • Tilting their head
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sitting close to the TV
  • Holding a book too close
  • Turning of an eye in or out
  • Frequently rubbing their eyes
  • Short attention span for the child’s age
  • Avoiding coloring activities detailed activities
  • Difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination

Remember, kids this age do not tend to voice complaints about their eyes.