|
Stage of Life
|
Expected Visual Standard
|
Comments
|
| Birth |
Attracted by light;
react to light; nothing seems to hold baby's attention for long. |
The world is seriously
blurred for the newborn infant; paediatrician checks basic eye
functions. |
| 3 weeks |
Attention held by
mother's face; may follow a moving light. |
If baby could read she
would only manage the top letter on the optometrist's test chart from 1
metre. |
| 6 weeks |
Babies are naturally
longsighted and astigmatic. |
Baby's natural
prescription is about +3.00D |
| 3 months |
Can focus on close
targets now and follow activities within a room. The lens inside a
baby's eye is supple enough to focus to around 4 cm ! |
If baby could read she
would manage the top letter on the test chart from 6 metres - this is a
phenomenal visual development within the last 2 months; basic eye
functions checked again. |
| 6 months |
Vision continues to
improve for close objects; starting to appreciate 3 dimensional objects |
Could manage the top
letters on the test chart. |
|
18 months |
Recognition
of pictures and objects is improving rapidly; near vision is good enough
to confidently pick up small objects. |
Visual
acuity may even reach driving standards! Most optometrists will begin
eye examinations about now. Lazy eyes and squints can become more
apparent as baby's life becomes more visually orientated; early
detection is vital for best visual development. |
| 3 years |
Vision is now about 6/6
(i.e. normal) and there is normally little or no measurable spectacle
prescription. |
Developing vision is
good enough now that baby wants to scribble or follow TV programmes with
interest; pre-school eye checks undertaken. |
| 8 years |
No significant need for
spectacles |
Up to approximately 8
years of age it is possible to influence visual development with
spectacles or exercises; this is known as the 'plastic phase'. |
| Teenage years |
Often, shortsightedness
will develop during the teens if there is a family history. |
|
| Mid to late 20s |
Most shortsighted
people find their prescription changes are slowing down. |
For unknown reasons
keratoconus may develop in some individuals - see your optometrist to
discuss contact lenses. |
| Early 40s |
Reading difficulties
become noticeable, especially if lighting is poor; many people find
their ability to cope with poor light affects confidence in night
driving. |
For the past 40 years
the lens inside your eye has changed from being very elastic to
relatively stiff; it is now difficult to focus on near objects without
reading spectacles; shortsighted people may find they remove spectacles
to read. |
| 40+ |
If you are predisposed
to glaucoma you should be having annual eye examinations |
|
| 60+ |
Most of us have some
form of lens opacity which may lead to cataracts and age related changes
may cause further reduction in vision but, when caught early, many eye
complaints are treatable. |
Have regular eye
examinations - at least every two years - and discuss any concern about
your vision with your doctor or optometrist. |
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