vision development in children

Hi,

I posted a question on this forum before about myself and got some really good answers.

Just to recap, I've had myopia since I was 7 and now at 40 I have -1.5 in both eyes.

Neither of my parents is nearsighted. My wife also has an excellent 20/15 vision.

My question is: since it doesnt seem like I inherited myopia from my parents could I have done something as a child that affected my vision development? Could the fact that I learned to read around age 4 made my eyes focusing power develop better for close up objects?

I now have a 2 months old daughter and would like to do everything in my power to help her develop good vision.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You didn't cause your myopia by anything you did.  In my family I'm the only nearsighted person, my siblings don't wear glasses.

As for your daughter. Watch for any visual problems, crossed eyes, white pupil reflex and if you see any see an Eye MD ophthalmologist immediately. If everything seems perfect see an ophthalmologist about the age of 3 for a baseline eye examination. (don't wait till first grade as this is too old to treat amblyopia if present).

JCH III MD    Myopic Eye Physician & Surgeon