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.