Does my Child need glasses?

It is a very tough question, to answer flippantly via broad answers. We are talking about a child"s health and vision and future. 

And yet how does a parent recognise whether their child has an eye problem?

If your child is born premature or underweight, then an Eye Exam, or more specifically: a Retina Exam, is necessary in within 30 days of birth, even if the child is in the Neonatal Unit or NICU.

After this in the early months usually a mother picks out small  signs. 

When the child is not able to focus on mothers face or toy handed to it. 

When the child is not interested in surroundings. 
When the child absolutely does not want to move from the position it has been placed in. 

When there is a Face turn or a Head Tilt (abnormal Head Posture).  

When there are Rapid jerky movements of eyes (Nystagmus). 

When there is aversion to light. 

When there is abnormal watering. 

A white coloration in centre of the black cornea. 
Too large eyes. 

There is a squint.
Theses are some very easy and early markers.

After this, in the Developed Nations, an Eye Exam is mandatory to take admission into Pre school. This way the nation encourages Preventive Health Care, and encourages a healthier citizen.

The purpose is that a Kids Eye Doctor can pick out glasses at a very early age and hence give your child good vision and a healthier life style. 

You should also get your child examined at 2-3 years of age by a Kids Eye Doctor.

Now comes the age group of 2 years to 6 years. This is now assuming that you have NOT been to see a Kids Eye Doctor as yet. 

The signs that a parent can pick out are: 

The child sits too close to the TV. 

The child is not too interested in running around and playing.

The child has a face turn or head tilt while watching TV or normally too. 

The child puts a finger near the eye while watching TV and pressing at corner of eye. 

The child has a Squint. 

There is Nystagmus. 

Child bangs into things frequently while running around. 

Play a game with a child: read number plates/ road name plates while driving in a car. See if the child is able to read what you are able to read.

Holds a book too close while reading. 

Wrong copying of notes in a class room (improves when the child is brought to first benches).
These are all signs for a parent to pick out.

Because: The first some years are necessary for "development of vision" and the next years till age 10 are necessary for "consolidation and growth of that vision".

IF you miss this "crucial window period" your child will have weak eyes/ lazy eyes/ less vision for lifetime.

IF you have detected any problem with your tiny tots eyes, the earlier you see a Kids Eye Doctor, the more time the doctor gets in the "crucial window period" to do treatment or give glasses and bring your child's vision to normal.