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Smoking can harm an unborn child's eyes -

The first one probably doesn’t come as a surprise: smoking can harm an unborn child’s eyes. On the one hand, smoking increases the chance of premature birth, which in turn increases the likelihood of permanent vision loss or even blindness.

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Smoking can harm an unborn child's eyes -

Smoking while pregnant also makes it five times more likely that a baby will develop bacterial meningitis, which can also cause serious vision loss.

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It's due date that counts -

If your baby is born premature, you should measure their milestones from their due date, rather than their birth date. Your child’s pediatrician will also check your infant’s vision at every well-visit.

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For the first three months, vision is developing -

During the first few months of a baby’s life, their vision is still forming. Newborns can see, but the connections between their retinas and brains are still forming.

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For the first three months, vision is developing -

In fact, during the first two months of life, an infant’s eyes may appear to cross or wander over to the sides. They cannot properly focus on or follow objects.

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By three months, eyes should focus -

By three months, however, an infant’s eyes should start working together to follow a moving object. If you don’t notice this happening regularly by three months, have a chat with your pediatrician.

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By five months, babies see in 3D -

By five months, babies are able to see in 3D and they have better depth perception. They are able to reach for objects, because they understand how far away they are from them.

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By nine months, color is fixed -

By nine months, a baby’s eyes have almost turned their final color. Many babies are born with light eyes that darken as their melanin develops.

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By nine months, color is fixed -

That said, it is not usual to see slight changes in a child’s eye color until they are up to three years old.

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Watch for misalignment -

Once your baby becomes a toddler, it is time to keep an eye out for misalignment. Watch for one eye that looks straight ahead, while the other turns inward, outward, upward, or downward.

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Watch for misalignment -

This can be a symptom of strabismus, a vision problem that occurs in up to 4% of children in the US, for instance. Be sure to see your pediatrician early if you suspect a problem.

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Keep measles in mind -

Bear in mind, too, that measles is the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. As new cases continue to emerge in North America and Europe, remember to get your child vaccinated.

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Keep toddlers away from cleaning products -

Young children are more likely to develop eye damage from chemical burns, and it is therefore important to keep your children away from cleaning products.

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Keep toddlers away from cleaning products -

If your little one does happen to get chemicals in their eyes, be sure to flush them with plenty of water and proceed to your nearest ER.

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Many kids are farsighted -

Many school-age children are farsighted, rather than shortsighted. In most cases, they do not need glasses; they can accommodate their farsightedness by using their muscles.

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Many kids are farsighted -

As children grow, their farsightedness often improves on its own. In certain cases, however, it can lead to strabismus and amblyopia if left uncorrected.

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Good screen hygiene matters - Encouraging your child to practice good screen hygiene can reduce their risk of developing myopia and/or digital eye strain.

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Good screen hygiene matters -

Teach your child the 20-20-20 rule: look up from the screen every 20 minutes and focus from at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

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Less obvious symptoms of vision problems -

Some symptoms of childhood vision problems are obvious, while others aren’t. Three less obvious symptoms are a quick loss of interest in activities that involve eye use, losing your place when reading, and turning your head to see something directly in front.

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Less obvious symptoms of vision problems -

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist.

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Vision problems do not cause learning disabilities -

Contrary to popular belief, vision problems, including jerky eye movements and crossed eyes, do not cause learning disabilities. Rather, these are caused by problems with how the brain processes information.

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Children can get cataracts too -

Again contrary to popular belief, children can get cataracts. The good news is that cataracts in children are often spotted early and can be treated.

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Blue light is not dangerous -

Blue light is not necessarily bad for your child’s vision, but it is to be avoided late at night if you want your child to sleep well.

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Photos can help diagnose vision problems -

If you take a photo of your child and notice a white, yellow, or black reflection in one or both eyes, that can be a warning sign for an eye condition. If you are worried, see your child’s eye doctor.

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Colorblindness is more common in boys -

Colorblindness is much more common in boys than in girls, and it is often very difficult to detect. One important symptom is the inability to tell the difference between similar colors.

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Eye injuries can cause blindness -

Eye injuries are the most common cause of blindness in children. Baseball in particular is a major cause of eye injuries in children aged 14 or over.

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Regular glasses don't offer sufficient protection -

Bear in mind that regular glasses do not offer sufficient protection against eye injuries. In fact, they may be more dangerous because they can shatter and glass can get into your child’s eye.

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Injuries can be prevented with goggles -

Encourage your child to wear protective goggles when doing activities that have a risk of eye injury. Indeed, more than 90% of childhood eye injuries can be prevented with goggles.

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Proper lens care is paramount -

Last but not least, proper lens care is very important. But it is often challenging for children and teens.

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Proper lens care is paramount -

Poor lens care means a higher risk of serious eye infections, which can in turn cause vision problems. Be sure to watch and make sure your child is taking proper care of their lenses.

Sources: (American Academy of Ophthalmology)

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