Baby’s Vision Development

Healthy eyes and good vision play a critical role in how infants and children learn to see. Eye and vision problems in infants can cause developmental delays. Therefore, it is important to detect conditions early to ensure babies have the opportunity to develop the visual abilities they need to grow and learn.

Pediatricians regularly screen babies for vision problems at checkups to catch any issues early. If your doctor does notice any potential issues, he may refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist. Some children, including preemies, babies with Down syndrome or those with a family history of eye issues, should see an ophthalmologist or optometrist in the first few months of life.

The earlier vision problems are detected, the better for growth and development.

Here are important steps recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology parents can take to make sure their baby's vision develops properly:

• Watch for any signs of eye and vision problems. They can include inward or outward turning eyes or significant delays in tracking moving objects. Bring them to your pediatrician's attention.
• Make sure to have infant/child eye screenings as recommended to catch any vision problems early.
• Talk with your pediatrician to find out what age-appropriate activities you can do with your baby to help develop their vision.

Launched in 2005, InfantSEE is a public health program managed by Optometry Cares – The American Optometric Association’s Foundation. InfantSEE optometrists provide no-cost eye exams to children between the ages of six months to a year. Pediatric optometrists at The Eye Institute (TEI) are participating providers of this national program.

Even if there are no apparent vision issues, a comprehensive eye exam can help identify, prevent and treat vision disorders before they affect a child’s ability to see and learn.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of TEI’s pediatric optometrists call 215.276.6111.