It can be hard for parents to tell if toddlers have vision problems. After all, a toddler is not usually reading or trying to view a board in a classroom. When they have vision problems, they are not seeing as well as those with good eyesight. All they know is what they are used to seeing, and if their world is blurry they will not realize they have a problem or know how to convey this to parents and caregivers.
Precautionary Statement
My eight year old daughter has been wearing glasses since she was three, and I discovered the symptoms of her vision problems only after introducing her to the computer at a very early age. The symptoms I mention in this article are not all of the possible symptoms of vision problems in toddlers, but they are symptoms my daughter experienced, and they are symptoms I happened to notice. In any case, consult an eye care professional for a complete examination. Toddlers should have their eyes examined long before entering school, especially if vision problems are suspected.
Toddlers and Symptoms
When I noticed symptoms of vision problems in my three year old daughter, I had just begun teaching her how to use my computer. I allowed her to play learning games especially for toddlers, and she loved them. Playing games for toddlers on my computer turned into her favorite pastime, and I did not mind since she was becoming familiar with the mouse as well as expanding her knowledge.
Once she understood the basic concepts of the games for toddlers, I began leaving the room for short periods of time. After finding her on the computer desk and about three inches away from the screen on more than one occasion, I decided this was one of the symptoms of vision problems in toddlers. Even though she was later diagnosed as being extremely farsighted, she was trying to see the screen and thought that getting closer would solve her problems.
Toddlers and Head Turning
Another one of the symptoms I noticed before my daughter was diagnosed with vision problems was an issue with turning her head. She was tilting her head and using one eye rather than both at the same time. This was because the vision problems in her left eye were far worse than the vision in her right eye, and she was later diagnose with amblyopia. This caused her one eye to appear out of alignment. The article entitled Detecting, Preventing, and Treating Amblyopia provides information on why toddlers and older kids might be turning their heads while trying to focus.
As previously mentioned, this article does not provide all of the possible symptoms and reasons behind vision problems in toddlers. Visit an eye care professional as soon as possible, and select a pediatric ophthalmologist. They specifically work with toddlers and older children, and they can decide if vision problems exist as well as a course of action to correct any problems.
