Is My Child’s Eyesight Developing Properly?

As parents, it’s natural to wonder if your child is seeing the world as clearly as they should. Good eyesight is fundamental to a child’s development, affecting everything from learning and coordination to confidence. Early detection of vision issues can prevent long-term problems, giving your child the best possible start. At Wink Eye Care, our optometrists have been helping children see clearly for over 20 years. Every child develops at their own pace, but we’ve seen that certain milestones indicate their eyesight is developing properly:

• Babies (0–1 year): In the first year, babies should start making eye contact and tracking moving objects with their eyes.
• Toddlers (1–3 years): Toddlers typically begin recognizing familiar faces and colors while their hand-eye coordination improves.
• Preschoolers (3–5 years): By this age, children usually have clearer distance vision and can identify letters or basic shapes.
• School-Age (5+ years): School-aged children should be able to read a whiteboard from a distance and focus on close-up work without difficulty.

Let’s take a closer look at how children’s eyes develop so you can get a feel for whether your child’s vision is on track.

How Does Your Child’s Vision Develop Over Time?

Just like learning to walk or talk, a child’s vision develops in stages:

• Birth to 4 months: Babies can see objects up close but have blurry distance vision.
• 5 to 8 months: Depth perception starts to develop, allowing babies to reach for objects accurately.
• 9 to 12 months: Hand-eye coordination improves, and color vision fully develops.
• 1 year old: By this age, children should have fully developed visual acuity (clarity of vision).
• 3 years old: Eye muscles strengthen, allowing for better control of eye movements and focusing.
• 5 years old: Visual acuity reaches adult levels.

What Are Signs My Child Might Have Vision Problems?

Trust your instincts; if something feels off about your child’s vision, it’s always worth checking with a professional. Watch for these common warning signs:

• Squinting or closing one eye to see better
• Frequent eye rubbing or complaints of headaches
• Sitting too close to screens or holding books very near their face
• Difficulty with coordination, like catching a ball
• Avoiding reading, drawing, or other detailed tasks

How Often Should Children Get Their Eyes Checked?

Regular, comprehensive eye exams are the best way to catch problems early, as they are far more thorough than a simple school vision screening. While a screening can identify potential issues, a comprehensive exam from an optometrist diagnoses them. We recommend the following schedule:

• First exam between 6 and 12 months
• Another check-up around age 3
• An exam before starting school
• Exams every 1–2 years after that, or as recommended by your eye doctor

What Can I Do at Home to Support My Child’s Eye Development?

Small daily habits can add up to lifelong healthy vision, and you can support your child’s eye health with a few simple practices.

• Encourage outdoor play: Natural light is excellent for eye development.
• Balance screen time: Set limits on digital devices and encourage frequent breaks to prevent strain.
• Serve eye-friendly foods: A diet rich in carrots, leafy greens, berries, and fish provides essential nutrients for vision.
• Provide good lighting: Make sure reading and homework areas are well-lit to reduce eye strain.
• Promote eye safety: Teach your child to wear protective eyewear during sports or other activities.

You’re Doing the Right Thing by Paying Attention

Worrying about your child’s health means you care, and that’s exactly what helps them thrive. By paying attention to their visual development and seeking regular professional care, you are setting them up for a lifetime of healthy vision.

At Wink Eye Care, our team specializes in children’s eye exams and can diagnose and treat the most common vision issues, especially when they are caught early. Reach out today to schedule your child’s next eye exam.