Health

As a Colombian Optometrist, a mother and new resident in Canada whit the hope to work in this country, I want to share this short article about infant vision care. This is a simple and clear way to explain haw to protect you baby’s vision from an early age.

Vision is not clear at birth. Newborns see blurry and recognize their mother by smell and the sound of her voice.

By 2 months – Babies Start to see shapers and faces more clary. The begin to recognize people and objects close them. By 4 months – the connection between ayes, hands and feet begins. Babies touch their hands, play with their feet, or bring them to their mouth. By 12 months – Vision is much better.

Babies can see far objects, recognize familiar faces from 3 or4 meters away, and have better depth perception. They can reach for objects whit more accuracy.

Some vision problems are hard to see, but early sings can help.

If you notice that one eye turns in or out, it is important to observe carefully.
- Does the eye always turn , or only sometimes?
- Is it always same eye, or do both eyes take turns?
- Does it happen when child is look at a face or toy, or only when not paying attention?
- Does the eye go back to the correct position after?

Other signs to watch for: - Baby does not look at faces by 3 months
- Baby does not follow toys with vision by 4 months
- Too many tears or red, swollen eyelids
- Baby avoids light or seems uncomfortable
- Baby falls or bumps into things easily when the light is low, like at night or in dim rooms

The sings may mean the child has a vision problem and needs an eye exam. Even If the baby seems to see well, some problems are not easy to notice. That’s way, as an optometrist, I recommend a complete vision exam at 6 months.

This exam checks for: - Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus
- Refractive errors ( like high farsightedness )
- Congenital cataracts
Finding problems early helps protect the baby´s vision development.

Vision is key part of child’s health and learning Early visual stimulation, good vision habits ( like no screen overcuse), and a timely exam can make a big difference. A baby’s first vision exam is simple, safe, and very important.
As a mother and vision care , I belive: “early care protects future vision"