For newborn’s, infants, toddlers, and children, good vision and healthy eyes play a fundamental role in how they learn to see. Just as they are not born talking or walking, their vision develops over a period of time. As a parent, you play a crucial role in assuring your child’s vision and eyes develop the right way.
Parents need to understand if, and when there may be a problem with their child’s vision and immediately discuss it with Dr. Dory Neu-Ner. He is a paediatric eye specialist that treats conditions such as Myopia Progression, Strabismus( Squints) and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), and other conditions affecting children’s eyes.
When should my child have their first eye exam?
If there are no concerns, a first vision check is generally recommended around age 3, and again before starting school. Your child should be seen sooner if you notice any signs of a vision problem, if there’s a family history of childhood eye conditions, strabismus or significant refractive error, or if your baby was born prematurely.
What are signs that my child may have a vision problem?
Signs to look out for include holding objects very close to the face, squinting, frequent eye rubbing, poor hand-eye coordination, sensitivity to light, tilting the head to one side, a white or cloudy reflection in the pupil in photographs, or one eye appearing to turn in, out, up or down. If you notice any of these, it’s worth booking an assessment.
What is amblyopia ("lazy eye") and how is it treated?
Amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye, or less commonly both, that develops when the brain doesn’t learn to process input from that eye normally in early childhood — often because of strabismus, an uncorrected difference in prescription between the eyes, or something blocking clear vision such as a cataract. Treatment involves correcting the underlying cause and, where needed, encouraging use of the weaker eye through patching or eye drops in the stronger eye. It responds best when caught and treated early.
My child's eyes sometimes appear misaligned — is this normal?
Occasional misalignment can be normal in the first few months of life, but a squint that persists beyond around 4 months of age, or appears at any age in an older child, should be assessed. Left untreated, strabismus can lead to amblyopia. See our strabismus page for more detail.
Myopia Management FAQs
What is myopia, and why does progression in children matter?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is when distant objects appear blurred because the eye grows slightly longer than normal. It commonly develops in childhood and can progress as children grow, particularly during the school-going years. Higher levels of myopia carry an increased lifetime risk of other eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration, which is why managing its progression in childhood is worthwhile, not just correcting it with glasses.
Can myopia progression in children be slowed down?
In many cases, yes. Approaches with evidence for slowing progression include low-dose atropine eye drops, specially designed contact or spectacle lenses, and more time spent outdoors. Not every option suits every child — Dr Neu-Ner will discuss what’s appropriate based on your child’s age, prescription and rate of progression.
How often should a myopic child's eyes be checked?
Children being monitored or treated for myopia are generally reviewed every 6 to 12 months, or more often if their prescription is changing quickly.
Retinopathy of Prematurity FAQs
Which babies need ROP screening, and when?
Screening is generally considered for babies born before around 30–32 weeks’ gestation, or with a birth weight under approximately 1500g, and sometimes for larger or later babies who had an unstable course in the NICU. Exact criteria vary by protocol, so please confirm with your neonatal team. Screening typically starts by 4 weeks after birth or 31 weeks’ postmenstrual age, whichever is later.
Does ROP always need treatment?
No. Most babies who develop ROP have a mild form that resolves on its own as the retina finishes developing, and only a minority — roughly 1 in 10 in most studies — go on to need treatment. Regular screening allows treatment to be given promptly in the cases that do progress.
How is ROP treated?
Treatment options include laser therapy to the peripheral retina or an injection of medication into the eye to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth. In more advanced cases involving retinal detachment, surgery may be needed. Dr Neu-Ner will discuss which option is most appropriate for your baby.
What happens if ROP is left untreated?
If ROP progresses without treatment, the abnormal blood vessels can pull on the retina and cause it to become distorted or detached, which can lead to permanent vision loss — this is why regular screening and timely treatment matter.