OT Tip - Vision Development in your child

I want to talk a little bit today about vision development and how watching tv or playing video games at a young age affects your child's learning and behavior.


Children watch more tv and play more video games than in any other time period. TV has become America's cheapest baby sitter. Unfortunately, a lot of parent's don't realize the developmental affects this has on your child's vision and learning.

Did you know that babies are not born with 20/20 vision? For the first 6-8 weeks their vision does not focus well and depth perception is just beginning to develop. At this age it is important to change the babies position often in the crib and during feedings. Provide brightly colored toys that make noise and play peek-a-boo and patty cake. Avoid tv. (Resource: Vision First Foundation)


From 6-12 months babies start to use their hands and feet to explore their environment as well as using both of their eyes together. At this age it is important to encourage the baby to crawl, DO NOT encourage early walking. (See my post on crawling for more developmental information). Provide a lot of stacking and take apart toys to encourage visual development. Avoid tv. (Resource: Vision First Foundation) 


At ages 1-3, eye hand coordination and dept perception have developed. Provide lots of exploration through the zoo, playground, pool, or water park. Choose your toys carefully, provide blocks, toys that move by pushing the feet, and safe areas for them to scribble, finger paint etc... Avoid tv, video games and computer time. 


The preschool years (age 3) your child is learning how to use vision for learning experiences. Continue to provide many different environments, such as the zoo, water park, pool, playground. Encourage them to climb, jump, and walk on balance beams. Read to your child daily and discuss the book after. Avoid or strictly limit tv, video games, and computer time. (Resource: Vision First Foundation) 


In the school age years (k-12) limited tv, video game and computer till is still important. Children should be encouraged to read at least 20 minutes a day, and encourage active and creative play outdoors. 


In all these stages it is important to have your child's eyes check regularly by an optometrist. One in four children have eye problems, so catching it early is key! (Resource: Vision First Foundation)


For more information and reading, see these following articles or websites. 


Vision First Foundation 
LimiTV
TV, or Not TV, is that the question? - Sidney Groffman, OD, FCOVD
Baby Development
Even Good TV is Bad for Kids - Deborah Hage MSW

"The most important thing we’ve learned,

So far as children are concerned

Is never, never, NEVER let,

Them near your television set.

It rots the senses in their head!

It kills imagnation dead!

It clogs and clutters up the mind!

It makes a child so dull and blind

He can no longer understand

a fantasy, a fairyland!

His brain becomes as soft as cheese!

His powers of thinking rust and freeze!

He cannot think, he only sees!

“All right!” you’ll cry.  “All right!” you’ll say,

“But if we take the set away,

What shall we do to entertain

Our darling children?  Please explain!”

We’ll answer this by asking you,

“What used the darling ones to do?”

“How used they keep themselves contented

Before this monster was invented?”

Have you forgotten? Don’t you know? 

We’ll say it very loud and slow:

“THEY…USED…TO…READ.”  They’d READ AND read,

And READ and READ, and then process

To read some more…"

Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

Disclaimer: I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. The advise in these tips is not a replacement for medical advise from a physician or your pediatrician. Please consult their advice if you suspect any medical or developmental issues with your child. 

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