|
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 |
Eye examinations
may be paid by the NHS if you have glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma. |
|
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. |
