3 Signs Your Baby Needs An Eye Exam

It's important for every child (including babies) to have regular eye exams; promptly diagnosing and remedying visual impairments helps prevent any issues from affecting your child's ability to learn. Not only do eye exams inspect the health of the eye, but they also evaluate your child's vision.

It's a misconception that your child must be able to read to undergo an eye exam. Your child's eye doctor will use other means of administering the exam, such as evaluating the responsiveness of the pupil, having your baby follow an item, or checking if your baby responds differently to a card with a bright color or pattern. Keep reading for behaviors or signs that indicate your baby needs an eye exam. 

1. Your Baby Struggles to Visually Follow a Toy

Though it's expected for newborn babies to have issues visually following a toys, by the time your baby is a few months old, they should be able to track a toy with their eyes as you move it around. By 3-4 months of age, your baby should be able to make out large shapes and have the ability to focus on a small, specific object. 

If your baby can't track a toy in their line of sight or if you notice that they eyes do not move together, an eye exam is necessary to check the development of your baby's vision.

2. Your Baby's Pupils Appear Discolored in Pictures

Every parent loves taking pictures of their baby; however, if you notice that your baby's pupils appear white in pictures, this can indicate a problem. The appearance of white pupils similar in appearance to the glow of a cat's eyes can be a sign that something is obstructing your baby's retina. Some of the conditions that may cause white pupils include:

• Cataracts
• Eye infections
• Cancer
• Detachment of the retinas

If you notice your baby's pupil looks white, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible to detect the underlying cause. Early intervention increases the success rate for treating any eye conditions and preserving your baby's vision. 

3. Your Baby Has a Higher Likelihood of Suffering from a Vision Problem

Your family may have a risk of childhood vision problems, or perhaps your baby was born prematurely. Though neither of these items on their own mean that something is wrong with your baby's eyes, they do put your baby at a higher chance of suffering from vision issues. It's best to schedule an eye exam sooner rather than later to detect any ailments as early as possible. 

To learn more, reach out to eye doctors like Cripe Stephens & Stickel.