Ophthalmology

Since young children cannot tell you about their visual problems, parents should arrange an eye examination for them. A comprehensive eye examination not only tells you whether the child has near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, squint or lazy eye, it can also reveal other eye diseases such as congenital cataract, which requires early treatment once detected. If the eyes are found to be normal, this will form a baseline for future reference. 

An ophthalmologist is able to examine a child of any age and also check whether the child has any focusing problems. For infants, the ophthalmologist may need to use special techniques, instruments or diagnostic eye drops/medications. 

We recommend every child have a comprehensive annual eye examination after the age of 4. 

If you notice any of the following conditions, you should bring the child to see an eye doctor as soon as possible, even before the age of 4: 

• An infant who has abnormal visual response, e.g. does not respond to light or follow toys, cannot recognise a parent’s face
• The eyes have abnormal appearance, e.g. droopy eyelids, redness and swelling of the eyes, bulging eyeballs, or white reflection from the pupils
• Frequent blinking, rubbing of eyes, or tearing
• Blurred vision, double vision
• Abnormal alignment of eyes, e.g. eye turned inwards, outwards or upwards
• Head tilt when looking at objects
• Squinting of eyes when looking at objects or when copying from a writing board
• Any other conditions that cause you concern