It is known that the visual impulses travel from the optic nerve through the visual pathway to the visual cortex where the final interpretation takes place. But what is rarely discussed is that there are over 20 cortical areas in the brain which are driven by visual functions and 80% of a child’s milestones depend on them.
Does this make you wonder how important vision is to a child? Do you believe that seeing is equal to good vision?
For a child’s well being, health and performance it is important that they have healthy eyes with good vision. As important is vision it is necessary to ensure that the child has well developed visual skills such as eye teaming, movement and focusing.
All these visual functions are usually developed during a ‘critical period’ where visual input is necessary for normal visual development. In an era where technology has taken over, as optometrists and eye health care professionals its our duty that myths are replaced with facts and awareness for pediatric eye care should be spread.
A Lot many conditions like congenital cataracts, Retinopathy of Prematurity, Congenital Glaucoma are ignored due to traditional myths such as ‘cursed child’ or ‘God’s blessing’ and the child passes the critical window of visual development.
A normal eye examination of a child should ideally be at the age of 6 months, at 3 years and then annually after they reach the age of 5-6 years. A premature baby should be examined on the first day of birth by professionals under immense care. Children are like flowers when taken care of they’ll bloom away, left alone they’ll wither away.
