Question

1. List some symptoms that should alert the early childhood educator that a child may need to have his or her eyes examined.

Answer 1

Actually , Preschoolers are eager to draw and look at pictures. Also, reading to young children is important to help them develop strong visualization skills as they "picture" the story in their minds.

This is also the time when parents or educators need to be alert for the presence of vision problems like crossed eyes or lazy eye. These conditions often develop at this age. Crossed eyes or strabismus involves one or both eyes turning inward or outward. Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, is a lack of clear vision in one eye, which can't be fully corrected with eyeglasses. Lazy eye often develops as a result of crossed eyes but may occur without noticeable signs.

In addition, educators should watch the child for indication of any delays in development, which may signal the presence of a vision problem. Difficulty with recognition of colors, shapes, letters and numbers can occur if there is a vision problem.

The preschool years are a time for developing the visual abilities that a child will need in school and throughout his or her life.

Educators should watch for signs that may indicate a vision problem, including:

•Squinting

•Tilting their head

•Covering an eye

•Frequently rubbing their eyes

•Short attention span for the child's age

•Turning of an eye in or out

•Sensitivity to light

•Difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination when playing ball or bike riding

•Avoiding coloring activities, puzzles and other detailed activities

If any educators notice any of these signs in their preschooler, they should tell to his or her parents to arrange a visit to doctor of optometry.