Light enters the eye through the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye. It then passes through the pupil, the hole in the iris, the coloured part of the eye. Light rays then focus on the back of the eye. Information about the light travels from the retina to the brain where the pictures are recognized and interpreted.

80% of learning occurs directly through vision!

A visual checklist you can monitor in the first year of baby’s growth:

AT BIRTH:
• Are attracted to faces
• May avoid bright lights by closing eyes
• May sometimes appear to wander or be turned


AT ONE MONTH:
• Start to fix on mothers face whilst feeding
• Intermittent turn in eyes
• Follow large moving objects for a few seconds and begin to show interest in toys


AT TWO MONTHS:
• More interested in toys and objects
• Follow a person with their eyes
• Recognise parent’s face and can tell it from other faces


AT FOUR MONTHS:
• Can focus on toys held close to them
• Eyes should be straight and move together in all directions
• Interested in smaller more detailed toys
• Reaches for toys, grasps firmly and regards closely


AT SIX MONTHS:
• Become more skilled in using their eyes to locate and reach objects of interest
• Follow objects with head and eyes in all directions
• Visually alert and curious about their surroundings
• Follows an adult’s movement across the room


AT TWELVE MONTHS:
• Recognise familiar people from at least 6 metres (20 feet) away
• Binocular vision established at 9 months
• If you have any questions about your child’s development, see your eye doctor immediately.


Common eye Problems in Children:

STRABISMUS:
Strabismus may be known as turned eyes, walleyes, squint, or lazy eyes. Strabismus occurs when the eyes point in different directions. When one eye is straight the other may point in, out, up or down. This may not be noticeable all the time, or it may come and go. It may be present at birth or appear later. In babies and children with strabismus, the vision in the turned eye will not develop normally. Children do not outgrow strabismus! Treatment is most effective when started at an early age-the first comprehensive eye examination should begin at age 6 months and annually to age 18, inclusive. These eye examinations are paid annually by Alberta Health.

The aims of strabismus treatment are:
• Good vision in both eyes
• Good appearance
• Coordinated eyes (ie depth perception)
• Treatment of strabismus may incude glasses, patching, exercises, or surgery and is usually a combination of these.

AMBLYOPIA:
Amblyopia occurs when one eye becomes lazy because it is not receiving as clear a picture as its fellow eye. The most common causes of amblyopia are strabismus, refractive error (incorrect focusing power), ptosis (droopy lid) and catarct (opacity in the lens). Vision can be improved in many cases of amblyopia when treatment is indertaken at an early age.

EPIPHORA:
Epiphora or watering of the eyes may occur if the duct that drains the tears from the eye to the nose becomes blocked. In many cases, blocked tear ducts get better by themselves, but if this doesn’t happen within 6 months, or if frequent infection becomes a problem, treatment in the form of a minor surgical procedure may be necessary. Blocked tear ducts are not the only cause of watering eyes so an examination is suggested. Remember: Occasionally, serious conditions can have signs and symptoms similar to those described above. For this reason children with suspected eye problems should be examined.

SIGNS TO WATCH FOR:
Consult your EYE doctor if you are concerned about your baby’s eyes, particularly if:
• One or both pupils have an unusual or white appearance-may be noticed in photographs
• There is persistent watering or discharge from the eyes.
• One eye appears to be turned frequently or the eyes do not seem to move well
• The head is consistently tilted/turned to one side.
• The child sits close to the television and holds books/puzzles at very close range.
• The eyes do not look the same.


A COMPLETE EYE EXAMINATION IS REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY IF THERE IS:
• A family history of turned eye (strabismus)
• Lazy eye (amblyopia)
• Strong glasses at an early age (refractive error)
• Premature birth (36 weeks gestation or less)
• Developmental delay


REMEMBER: Seek an eye doctor IMMEDIATELY if you have any concerns about your baby’s vision!