Children's Vision: What Parents Need to Know

If your child has poor vision and problems are overlooked, consequences such as poor performance in schoolwork can last for a lifetime. Learn what you can do to give your child every advantage in school, sports and play by learning to spot the signs of poor vision. Remember also that early eye exams for children can detect common problems such as misalignment of eyes (strabismus) or lazy eye.

Also, learn more about your child's visual development and which eyeglasses or contact lenses may be appropriate for young children.

SPONSORED SECTION: Teens & Contacts: What Parents Need To Know
Should your teen wear contact lenses? Read this Q&A to help you decide.

A Guide to Children's Vision Problems
An overview of eye health topics that every parent should know about. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on children's vision problems.

Your Infant's Visual Development
How babies see their new world for the first six months, and how to tell if something's not right.

Does Your Baby Have Congenital Cataracts?
Not all congenital cataracts require surgery, but some do. Learn what you can do if your child was born with cataracts.

Vision Problems of Preschool Children
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to cope with a vision problem.

Vision Problems of Schoolchildren
Don't let an undetected vision problem hold your child back. Only 14 percent of American kids receive a comprehensive eye exam before entering school, and an estimated 10 million have undetected vision problems.*

Teen Vision Issues
Now is when many children make the switch from glasses to contacts.

Computer Vision Syndrome and Your Child
Teens, schoolkids, and even toddlers are experiencing eyestrain and other vision problems from computer use. Here's what to do.

Contact Lenses for Kids
Lots of kids wear contact lenses with no trouble. Read about the advantages, age considerations, etc.

Contact Lenses that Control Myopia?
It's controversial, but some studies have shown that RGPs can slow the progression of nearsightedness in kids.

Eyeglasses for Kids
Here's an article on choosing a child's eyeglass frame. Also read 10 Tips for Buying Kids' Eyewear. For new products, see What's New in Eyeglasses for Kids and Teens.

Polycarbonate Eyeglass Lenses
This material is a must for all children's eyeglass lenses. Read why.

Protective Eyewear
Are your kids wearing protective eyewear for sports? Read why they should.

Sunglasses for Kids
Tips for buying good sunglasses for children.

Toys and Eye Safety
Which toys are eye-safe and which are better to avoid. Plus, a Chicago-area optometrist releases his annual list of toys he considers unsafe for children's eyes.

Vision-Related Learning Disabilities
Why do some children do poorly in school? Often it's an eye-related problem.

Vision Therapy for Kids
Can eye exercises and other vision therapy help children overcome learning problems? Read about this controversial topic.

Stargardt's Disease and Children
This inherited form of macular degeneration can cause central vision loss in children, who may need special instruction in how to use low vision aids.

*Source: College of Optometrists in Vision Development, 2004

[Page updated April 2008]