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Keep an Eye on Eyes

Your toddler's ability to see is essential to learning and development, but because he doesn't yet know what good vision is, he may not complain if his is less than ideal. Vision problems can develop quickly in children as they grow, but most can be corrected if caught early. You may want to ask your pediatrician or eye doctor to check for these common conditions:

  • Eye misalignments and tracking problems, which can usually be corrected with special lenses, patching, medication or in severe cases, surgery
  • Nearsightedness (poor distance vision), farsightedness (poor close-up vision) or astigmatism (blurred vision at all distances), which are typically treated with corrective lenses
  • Amblyopia or "lazy eye," which can lead to blindness in the weak eye if not treated with corrective lenses, patching, eye exercises or surgery

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the American Academy of Ophthalmology agree that vision screening should be part of children's regular checkups beginning at age three. In addition, talk to your doctor if you notice your toddler:

  • Constantly rubs his eyes
  • Has trouble reading
  • Puts his hand over one eye to read or see the television
  • Squints
  • Always sits too close to the television or computer screen
  • Tilts his head to read or watch television
  • Has misaligned eyes (looking in two different directions)
  • Complains of headaches or dizziness
  • Blinks more than normal
  • Complains that things are blurry

If you find he needs glasses, be sure to have them fitted by an optician with experience in pediatric eyewear. They should fit comfortably now – not when he finally grows into them. Even if he resists them at first, he’ll probably wear them happily once he sees the difference in his vision.

Source: "Glasses for Children," www.aapos.org, website of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus; "Eye Examination and Vision Screening in Infants, Children, and Young Adults," www.aapos.org, "Does Your Child Have a Vision Problem?", November-December 2007, Healthy You Magazine, www.lvh.org, website of Lehigh Valley Hospital

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

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If you're concerned about your toddler getting a healthy meal or snack when he heads off to nursery school, daycare or the babysitter's, fix it yourself! He'll like the grown-up feeling of carrying his own lunch box and you'll rest easy knowing he's getting the nutrition he may need.
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Toddler on Aisle Three

Holiday shopping with a toddler doesn't have to be stressful. Try these tips: Go in the morning when she's less likely to be cranky. Give her regular breaks from the stroller or shopping cart to let off steam. Bring water and healthy snacks like nuts, raisins or granola bars to keep her energy up, and disposable wipes for cleaning hands. Tell her the store rules and enforce them. Remind her to use her soft "public" voice when she needs something.

Source: "Ten Tips for All Day Shopping with a Toddler," www.thingamababy.com, May 18, 2006; "How to Take a Toddler Shopping," by Rose Halas, www.essortment.com