Many eye problems in children are easiest to treat when found early, yet children rarely complain about their vision. Use this checklist as a general guide, and always follow your paediatrician’s and eye doctor’s advice.
Newborn to 6 months
- A doctor checks the eyes soon after birth, including the red reflex, which can reveal cataract or other problems
- By about 6 to 8 weeks, babies should start following faces and smiling back
- Book a check if your baby does not seem to look at you, has wobbly eyes, or a white pupil
6 months to 3 years
- Eyes should be straight most of the time after about 4 months
- Watch for a turning eye, head tilting or one eye closing in light
- A check is advised if there is a family history of squint, lazy eye or high glasses power
3 to 5 years
- A full eye test, ideally before starting school
- Picture charts are used for children who cannot read letters yet
- Dilating drops are often used for an accurate glasses prescription
School years
- Check every year if your child wears glasses, or every one to two years otherwise
- Signs of a problem: squinting at the board, holding books close, headaches, rubbing eyes, falling grades
- Encourage daily outdoor play to lower the risk of short sight
Teenagers
- Short sight often increases during the teenage years, so keep up yearly checks
- Teach contact lens hygiene if lenses are prescribed
- Use protective eyewear for sports such as cricket and badminton
See a doctor promptly, at any age, for a white reflection in the pupil, a newly turning eye, a red painful eye, or sudden loss of vision.
Learn about children’s eye care at Sankalp Nethralaya.
Frequently asked questions
Can a school screening replace a full eye test?
School screenings are useful but simpler than a full eye exam. They can miss problems such as lazy eye or a need for glasses.
Why do children’s eyes need dilating drops?
Children can focus very hard during a test, which hides their true glasses power. Drops relax focusing for an accurate result.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.