Share with a friendEarly Intervention Is Essential
Most children have healthy, normal eyes, but a few are born with serious eye diseases or disorders, some of which may not be obvious.
In most cases, these problems can be identified—and treated—even during the first few days of life. But without early intervention, usually before the age of five, a child with an untreated eye problem may suffer from serious vision loss, or even blindness.
The Children's EyeCare Program is designed to educate parents on how to recognize the symptoms of eye diseases and disorders in their children between newborn and 36 months of age.
This program encourages parents who think their child has a vision or eye problem to have their child's eyes examined by their pediatrician, family physician or, if necessary, by an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.).
Every child, even those without noticeable eye problems, should have a vision screening and/or eye examination before his or her fifth birthday.
Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational progress in growing children. Early detection of treatable eye disease in infancy and childhood can have far reaching implications for vision and, in some cases, for general health.
Q: Could my child have an eye disease or disorder?
A: Most children have healthy, normal eyes but few are born with serious eye diseases or disorders, some of which may not be obvious to you. In most cases, these problems can be identified—and treated—even during the first few days of life. But without early intervention, usually before the age of five, a child with an untreated eye problem may suffer from serious vision loss or even blindness.
Q: How do I know if my child has an eye problem?
A: Your young child might not be able to tell you if he or she has an eye problem, but parents are usually the first to recognize the signs of eye disease in their children. If you notice that your child’s eyes or actions look like those illustrated here, or if eye diseases (including thick glasses worn at an early age or vision loss in childhood) run in your family, then your child should be examined early by a doctor. You may also take your child to an eye screening to determine whether your child’s eyes need further attention.
Q: What can I do if my child has an eye problem?
A: By working with a pediatrician, family physician and your Eye M.D., parents and other early childhood caregivers can help recognize disorders and ensure that treatment is received that can save a child’s sight or even life.
Q: Even if I don’t think my child has an eye or vision problem, should my child have an eye evaluation?
A: Yes! Every child, even those without noticeable eye problems, should have a vision screening and/or eye examination before his or her fifth birthday.
Q: How can I find public eye screenings in my area?
A: You may contact your local health department for information about eye screening organizations in your city and state.
Q: Do I need to do anything if my child’s eyes look normal, but I suspect my child has a vision problem?
A: If you suspect that your child has a vision or eye problem, then your child should have his or her eyes examined by an Eye M.D., pediatrician or family physician. Every child should have at least one eye examination appropriate for their age and ability to cooperate, before the age of five.
For more children's eye health information, see:
Or, call the Children's EyeCare Program toll-free, 1-800-628-6733 , 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday - Friday, Pacific Time.
To learn about low-cost and free health care coverage for children in your state, visit www.insurekidsnow.gov and select your state of residence. The site gives state-specific income guidelines and connects to state program sites and applications, where available.
Or you can call 1-877-KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669) for more information.
