This post is sponsored by Total Family Eye Care in Grimes – Your Eye Care Specialists for the Total Family – from infants to grandparents. We are honored to learn from Dr. Matthew Howie about what our children see and activities to promote healthy vision.
Most new parents are surprised to learn that their children’s eyesight develops slowly and will not be fully developed until age three. Your children’s eyes have to learn how to distinguish objects as well as how to track movement correctly. This is a natural process, but I would like to discuss what your children are seeing as they grow up, as well as a few different activities you can perform with them to promote healthy vision.
At Birth:
When babies are born, their vision can be very fuzzy. They mostly can detect large shapes and bright colors. This is why it is very important to have bright, contrasting colors as well as complex shapes in baby’s new room to stimulate his or her interest. Babies are also drawn to new objects, so changing the location of items is highly encouraged. Most research also suggests having a nightlight for babies to stimulate their vision while they are awake in bed.
Two Months:
It is normal during this period for your child’s eyes to not always track objects together. Do not be concerned unless they are never aligned or if this doesn’t gradually improve. It is also normal for the child’s eyes to tear because the tear drainage ducts have not fully opened. They should open on their own, but your optometrist or doctor should be notified of any excessive tearing.
Activity: During this time period a great activity for parents and the child is to stimulate both sides of the body by moving the child’s arms or legs simultaneously, as parents tend to do naturally. This is helpful in fostering appropriate bilateral and binocular development.
Four Months:
Your child should now begin to follow moving objects with his eyes and begin to reach for things. This will be inconsistent and inaccurate at first but will get better over time as his eye-hand coordination and depth perception develop.
Activity: Keep reach-and-touch toys within your baby’s focus at about eight to twelve inches away. Hang a mobile above and outside the crib. Also change the crib’s position frequently as well as your child’s position in it.
Six Months:
It is now time for a trip to the optometrist for a comprehensive eye assessment for your baby. The optometrist will test for visual acuity, excessive or unequal amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, and evaluate eye alignment. I have partnered with an organization called InfantSEE that provides free exams for children of six months to one year of age. Call (515-986-1234) to schedule your child’s InfantSEE exam!
Activity: Play “patty cake” and “peek-a-boo” with your baby (always a favorite). Also give your baby some freedom to crawl and explore so that she can take in her new world.
Eight to Twelve Months:
Now that your baby is mobile he is likely attracted to objects in his visual environment. He is getting used to using both eyes together, judging distances, and grasping and throwing objects with greater precision. Crawling is very importing for developing eye-hand-foot-body coordination.
Activity: Give your baby stacking and take-apart toys. Providing objects that your baby can touch, hold, and manipulate will promote good hand-eye coordination.
Your baby’s eyes will take some time to develop into the fully functioning eyes that you know as an adult (even if they need a little help from glasses or contacts). These few activities will help develop your child’s vision along as they grow from baby to toddler. If you notice anything out of the ordinary please call your optometrist and remember to set up your baby’s InfantSEE exam at six months!
About Dr. Matthew Howie
Matthew J. Howie, OD graduated with honors from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids with a degree in Biology. In 1999, he received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He followed with a series of clinical rotations including pediatric vision and the management of ocular disease.
Dr. Howie practiced family optometry in Fort Dodge for seven years focusing on pediatric vision, contact lens management, glaucoma, and cataracts. In 2007, Dr. Howie held the post of Clinical director for TLC Laser Eye Center in West Des Moines. He has written and lectured in the education of his colleagues in the practice of dry eye diagnosis and corneal/contact lens complications.
In September 2009, Dr. Howie fulfilled a dream of opening his own practice, Total Family Eye Care in Grimes, Iowa. Drawing on Dr. Howie’s vast experience, this practice focuses on patients’ comprehensive care including eye health, correcting vision, and preserving vision for years to come. Dr. Howie says, “We take the time to talk with every patient about their personal needs, quality of life, and future vision. We educate with compassion.”
Dr. Howie is an active member of the Iowa Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. He also enjoys the local affiliation with the Grimes Chamber of Commerce and Grimes Lions Club.
Outside of work, Dr. Howie enjoys golf, traveling, and cooking.
Connect with Total Family Eye Care
Learn more about one mom’s experience with Total Family Eye Care here.
Connect with them online at www.totalfamilyeye.com and via Facebook.
Total Family Eye Care is conveniently located at 1451 SE 3rd Street in Grimes and looks forward to caring for your entire family. Give them a call at 515.986.1234 to schedule your family’s exams today.
