Children "At Risk"

The most common problems in vision are amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus. Lazy eye is an eye condition in which the child becomes accustomed to not using one eye. Lazy eye shows no visible signs, which makes it difficult for parents to notice that an eye problem exists. Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, with an eye turning in or out, occasionally or constantly.

You can check how your child uses his or her eyes even before a formal test can be done. When your baby is playing and is intently looking at a toy (preferably holding it with both hands), cover the right eye by bringing your hand or two fingers in the front of the eye without touching the child. If your baby continues to look at the toy with the left eye, the vision in the left eye is probably fine. Wait a short while, then cover the left eye and observe whether the child continues to look at the toy as before (This is shown in the video "Vision in Pre-School Years".). If vision in one eye is notably worse than in the other eye, your child will respond by tilting the head or by pushing your fingers away in order to see with the better eye. If you have any doubts about your child's vision, consult your paediatrician and your eye doctor.