Children's Eye Health and Vision

🍼Vision develops as children grow

A newborn sees only nearby faces, and blurrily. After a few weeks babies gaze at faces, and by two to three months they follow moving objects with their eyes. In the first months the eyes may occasionally seem to drift apart, but by about four months they usually move together.

Early childhood is when the eyes and brain learn to see together. If one eye sees poorly or is out of focus, the brain uses it less and its vision fails to develop — this is amblyopia (lazy eye). Amblyopia responds best to treatment at a young age while vision is still developing, so finding it before children can tell you something is wrong is important.

🩺Vision checks at screenings

At newborn checks and infant health screenings, doctors look at the shape of the eyes, the light reflex, eye contact and tracking, and ask age-appropriate questions. Once a child can name pictures on a picture chart (usually around age 3 to 4), vision is measured one eye at a time. Teaching the picture names and playing a cover-one-eye game at home beforehand makes the test easier.

In Korea, the Korean Ophthalmological Society and others recommend an eye exam around age 3 to 4 even without symptoms. If a family member had strabismus, amblyopia or a strong refractive error as a child, or your child was born prematurely, talk to an eye doctor earlier. If a screening says further testing is needed, see an ophthalmologist without delay.

⚠️Signs of strabismus or amblyopia

• After four months, one eye often turns in or out
• One eye drifts outward when tired or daydreaming
• Often squints or closes one eye in sunlight
• Tilts or turns the head to look at things
• Strongly objects or cries when one eye is covered
• Holds things very close, or often rubs or squints the eyes
• In photos, the light reflections sit in different spots in the two eyes

🌳Myopia and outdoor time

Myopia (nearsightedness) means near things are clear and far things are blurry. It usually starts in elementary school and progresses as children grow, and it is more likely if the parents are nearsighted. Evidence has built up that children who spend more time outdoors develop myopia less often, so many eye-care organizations recommend more outdoor play every day. Bright daylight is thought to influence eye growth.

If your child says they cannot see the board, or squints and moves closer to the TV, get an eye exam. Wearing glasses does not make myopia worse; the right glasses make school and play easier. Treatments that slow myopia (special lenses, eye drops, etc.) are decided with an ophthalmologist based on your child's situation.

📱Books, screens and eyes

• Do not hold screens or books too close. Use about arm's length for tablets and phones and at least 30 cm for books.
• Build a "20-20-20" habit: after about 20 minutes of close work, look far away (about 6 m) for 20 seconds.
• Avoid long viewing in the dark, lying down, or in a moving car.
• Children blink less while looking at screens, so eyes get dry and tired. Encourage closing the eyes or blinking during breaks.
• See the media and screen page for screen-time guidance by age. Less screen time often means more outdoor time too.

🕶️Preventing eye injuries

• On bright days use a wide-brimmed hat, and choose children's sunglasses labeled for UV protection.
• Laser pointers, pointed sticks and BB-style toy guns are common causes of eye injury.
• Consider protective eyewear for ball and racket sports.
• Ongoing sticky eyes and tearing in babies are often due to a blocked tear duct and usually improve around the first birthday. If the eye becomes red and swollen or the discharge is thick and yellow, see a doctor.
• If dust gets in the eye, do not rub; rinse with clean water.

💬FAQ