Introduction
In the flurry of parental commitments, do not overlook vision care. The ability to see is a gift, and parents and medical professionals alike must be prepared to monitor a child's eye development.
Infant Vision
Following the birth of your child, a doctor will examine your infant. Among a slew of medical tests, the doctor will conduct an abbreviated vision exam. This establishes a point of reference for the future care of your child.
Newborns are able to see but cannot focus their eyes until six months of age. Infants will commonly exhibit a yellow pigment in their eyes known as jaundice. As the liver processes waste, this yellow tint will disappear. If jaundice does not disappear after one week, parents should contact medical professionals.
Monitoring Vision
When you take your bundle of joy home, monitor your child's vision on a daily basis. At this stage, vision is defined in terms of responsiveness. Infants should attempt to follow faces and eyes from side to side as people or things capture their visual interest.
The First Six Months
Eyes complete development by six months of age. Accordingly, the first vision appointment should be scheduled at six months. The eye care professional will examine visual acuity, (the ability to see clearly), by observing responsiveness to movement.
Vision Problems
Some infants struggle with the infamous "lazy eye." Technically known as strabismus, it occurs when one or both eyes turn in or out while focusing on an object. In some cases, if left untreated, strabismus will lead to diminished vision or complete vision loss. 'Lazy eyes' are noticeable after four months of development.
Newborns may appear cross-eyed because eye muscle coordination is undeveloped. This problem should significantly diminish by 6 months of age. If the problem persists, parents should consult an eye care specialist. Treatment may necessitate usage of an eye patch, muscle exercises, and/or surgery. Options vary according to severity and the age of the child.
When to See an Eye Doctor
It is extremely difficult to establish visual acuity until age four. However, parents must schedule the first formal eye exam at 6 months. Future appointments will be scheduled as recommended by the eye care specialist. After two years of age, children are monitored annually, or as frequently as is preferred by the specialist.
Choosing an Eye Care Specialist
Eye care experts observe the pupils and scrutinize visual acuity and eye movement. Parents may utilize an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Although both professionals are trained to examine internal and external eye structures, there are critical differences between these vocations.
Types of Specialists
Ophthalmologists specialize in the medical and surgical care of the visual system, inclusive of eyes and eye muscles. Ultimately, ophthalmologists assist in the prevention and treatment of eye disease and injury. This type of eye doctor is a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO).
Optometrists are eye doctors of optometry (OD). They do not provide surgical services. Scope of care is limited to visual examination and disorder detection, prescriptive and corrective non-surgical care.
Affording Care
Consult with your insurance agency to understand provided vision care coverage. Plans may restrict treatment to an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Insurances companies may recommend practitioners covered by your health care plan.
Choosing a Doctor
Parents and children must feel comfortable with the doctor and the facility. Appropriate facilities boast a clean, youth-friendly environment in a safe neighborhood. Offices should be outfitted with modern medical tools.
The best way to locate an eye care specialist is through referrals from parents or family doctors. Alternatively, contact hospitals and government regulated agencies for a list of competent ophthalmologists and optometrists.
Summary: Parents must provide adequate medical care for their children. Vision care is an integral component of lifetime health development that should be formally monitored after 6 months of age.
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