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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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Lights Out

A good night's sleep is essential to both you and your toddler. If your little one can't sleep because she's afraid of the dark or she gets disoriented and upset after waking in a dark room, a nightlight can be a simple solution. Some pediatric sleep disorder experts say a nightlight is fine if it helps calm your child or makes it easier for you to check on her. Just be sure the light is low so she won't be tempted to get up and read or play during the night.

Source: www.babycenter.com

Now Hear This!

Listening skills are vital to your child’s education, verbal communication and interpersonal relationships. He’ll start learning to listen as young as two when you practice and encourage these good habits: Get down on his level and make eye contact while talking. Don’t interrupt unless there’s a question. Divide listening and talking roles. Pay attention to what he says and respond with a nod or a comment. Ask him to repeat what you’ve talked about and compliment him for being a good listener.

Source: “Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the Real ABC's),” by Jodie Lynn, www.family.go.com, accessed October 15, 2007.