Visual Development Of Infants And Toddlers
Infants / Toddlers
...   Important Facts For Successful Visual Development   ...

The visual system is very important to humans and more than 98% of all infants are born with normal, healthy eyes. Normal health and structure of the eyes, however, does not guarantee that the child will be able to use their eyes efficiently in the world that they must see and interpret throughout life. As parents it is very important to be familiar with enough information about visual development to make intelligent observations, and know when, where, and how to help your child. It is very important during this time to detect any signs of abnormal visual development. Early detection and treatment can often eliminate or decrease the risk of long term complications. Due to the close interrelationships between all sensory systems, delays in visual development can also interfere with many other aspects of development. Parents of infants or toddlers should recognize signs and symptoms of abnormal visual development including: - Frequent inward, outward, upward, or downward eye turning. - Excessive tearing of the eyes. - Excessive blinking or squinting. - Obvious favoring of one eye. - Squinting or frequent closing of one eye. - Covering of one eye with hands when looking at objects. - Drifting of one eye when looking at objects. - Swollen or crusted eyelids. - Unusual redness of the eyes or eyelids. - Bumps, sores, or styes on or around the eyelids. - Unusual position of the eyelids or drooping eyelids. - Excessive rubbing or touching of the eyes. - Avoidance of bright lights. - Turning or tilting of the head when looking at objects. - Tendency to bump into objects on one side. - Frequent headaches, nausea, or dizziness. - No improvement of eye-hand coordination with age. If any of the symptoms above are recognized, it is important to seek care from a doctor of optometry. Modern technology makes it possible to successfully examine and treat infants and toddlers. It is important to note that when a child is very young the nose is often broad and flat giving a false appearance of an eye turn. Parents should carefully examine photographs and look for flash bulb reflections in the child's eyes. If the reflections are centered in the pupils, the black center of the eye, then there is likely little cause for concern. However, if an eye turn is suspected and the flash bulb reflections in photographs are not centered, it is important to seek the assistance of an eye care professional as soon as possible. There are several successful options available to correct such conditions.

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