PRESCHOOLERS

Between ages one and two, it’s important for a child to develop good eye-hand coordination and depth perception. There are activities which can help improve these essential vision skills, such as playing with building blocks or balls of any shape and size.

Children at age two enjoy listening to and telling stories. It helps them develop visualization skills and prepares them for learning to read. At this stage of their development toddlers also like to paint, draw and colour, sort shapes and sizes, and fit or assemble pieces. These activities are all integral to their visual development.

A preschooler’s eyes are not ready for prolonged or intense concentration at short distances. To make TV viewing easier on the eyes, the room should be softly lit, the set placed so as to avoid glare, and the child should sit further away than five times the screen’s width, taking periodic breaks from staring at the screen.

Be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a visual problem. If your child shows any of these symptoms, take them to your B.C. Optometrist for a complete exam:

• Red, itchy or watering eyes
  
• Sensitivity to light
  
• An eye that consistently turns
  
• Squinting, rubbing the eyes, or excessive blinking
  
• Alack of concentration
  
• Covering or closing one eye
  
• Irritability or short attention span
  
• Holding objects too close
  
• Avoiding books and television
  
• Visible frustration or grimacing

As your growing child begins regular schooling, ensure that their learning experience is a pleasant one—and easy on their eyes. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 5 to 10 per cent of preschoolers have vision problems. See your B.C. Optometrist for more guidance and advice on your toddler’s unique visual needs.

Source : www.optometrists.bc.ca
All content here is provided for information and education—it is no substitute for the advice of your B.C. Optometrist. The MT. Pleasant Optometry Centre assumes no responsibility or liability arising from any errors or omissions or from the use of any information contained herein.