Children of all ages can have difficulty seeing clearly. If you are worried about your child’s eyesight, there are some simple ways to how well your child can see. These easy tests are just a few ways to check your child’s sight.
Watch your child carefully when they are trying to read, watch television, or use devices like a computer. Often, children who have trouble seeing tilt their head to one side in an effort to see things more clearly. Both farsighted and nearsighted children engage in head tilting when they can’t see well. If your child constantly tilts their head to either side when looking at objects, professional eyesight testing may be needed.
A variety of downloadable eye charts are available to help you test your child’s vision at home. Make sure you print the chart using the recommended printer settings, and use a measuring tape to place your child the correct distance from the eye chart. If your child has difficulty with a printable eye chart, make appointment with the optometrist. Professionals, like those at All About Eyes, know that your optometrist has tests that are suitable for kids of all ages. A professional evaluation is the best way to determine how well your child can see.
Online eyesight tests are an excellent alternative to printable charts. Online tests are available using either basic shapes or letters. If your child can’t read yet, use an online eyesight test that features shapes. Older kids, and adults, can use an online eyesight test with letters. To test your child’s sight with an online test, place your child the recommended distance away from the computer screen, and have your child list the shapes or letters on the chart. Consult a professional if your child has difficulty identifying the letters or shapes from the recommended distance.
If you suspect your baby or toddler has difficulty seeing, try moving a toy, or another interesting item, and watch your child’s eyes closely. Most babies track items that move horizontally across their line of sight, and older babies may reach for items like toys.
Even very young infants can see, and may track, an object that is six to eight inches away from their eyes. If your baby isn’t making eye contact, doesn’t respond to movement, or only responds to toys that make sounds, consider scheduling an eyesight evaluation. Babies under a year can be fitted with baby-safe eyeglasses to promote healthy eye development during the first year and beyond.
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