Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
The Future is a Blur for Some Children
It is hard for parents to detect eye problems in preschoolers.
Children assume their vision is normal and do not complain. But it is
estimated that one out of every twenty preschoolers may have a vision
problem. Common problems include, "Lazy Eye," "Crossed
Eyes" or blurred vision. "Lazy Eye" can occur if one eye
has not been used enough during early childhood. This can result in
permanent vision loss if not diagnosed and corrected early.
"Crossed Eyes" result when the eyes are not aligned correctly.
One eye may look ahead while the other turns inward, outward, upward or
downward. Treatment is usually more successful if a child is treated
early in life. Blurred or reduced vision can be related to these eye
disorders or to other causes.
To assure that your child has clear vision, your child’s eyes
should be checked at least once before age 6. A vision screen can be
done by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Vision screens can also be
arranged through the Genesee County Health Department.
Signs of possible eye problems are:
- Favoring one eye or tilting the head.
- Drifting of an eye when the child is either tired, ill or in
bright light.
- Any tendency to close one eye, especially in the sunlight.
- Rubbing of the eyes or excessive blinking.
- Holding objects very close to the eyes.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s vision,
contact the Genesee County Health Department Vision
and Hearing Program at (810) 257-3612.
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