Childrens Eye Examinations
One Test Your Child Can't Afford to Miss.
Good vision is essential to their growth and development. Have your optometrist examine your child's vision regularly.
The Role of Vision
Good vision is essential to a child's growth, development and everyday performance.
In fact, around 80 percent of all learning during a child's first 12 years comes through vision*. Whether it be reading, writing, blackboard work, or using a computer; a child's eyes are constantly in use in the classroom and at play.
Undetected vision problems can interfere with their ability to learn and meet their full potential. Physical, emotional and social development can also be compromised.
Children assume their vision is the same as everyone else's, so it's common for visual problems to go unnoticed. For parents, it is important to be aware of the symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision problem, as well as the need for regular eye tests.
Common Vision Problems
The most common vision problems in children include:
- Long-sightedness - difficulty seeing objects up close.
- Short-sightedness - difficulty seeing objects in the distance.
- Astigmatism - the front part of the eye is shaped more like a rugby ball as opposed to a tennis ball, distorting their vision.
Having 20/20 vision doesn't preclude children from having other vision-related learning problems. There are a number of visual skills required to achieve good vision. When one or more of these do not develop properly, learning problems can arise.
Amblyopia, commonly known as Lazy Eye is one such example that affects some children and for which early detection is important to avoid long term damage. A simple vision screening can easily miss these types of problems, hence the need for a comprehensive eye test.
Be Aware of the Signs
Recognising the possible signs of a vision problem may assist your child or someone else's now or in the future:
- one eye turns in or out while the other points straight ahead
- frequent blinking
- red or watery eyes
- sensitivity to light
- frequently rubbing the eyes
- difficulty concentrating
- tilting head noticeably
- covering or closing one eye
- difficulty learning to read
- holding a book very close to read
- leaving out or confusing words when reading
- squinting or sitting very close when watching television
- difficulty recognising familiar people in the distance
- complaints of headaches, blurred or double vision
Treatment Options
Vision treatment strategies may include the prescription of eyewear for part time or full time wear, vision therapy, or in some cases, a referral to another practitioner.
Eyewear
Children’s prescription eyewear is built tough for an active lifestyle. Look for features such as flexible frames and shatter-resistant lenses. With a broad array of stylish options, children can feel good about wearing them.
Contact Lenses
Contact Lenses can be a practical option for children, providing them with the freedom to participate in sports and other activities without having their glasses get in the way. A child's maturity to handle contact lenses is taken into account when recommending this option.
UV Protection
With an estimated 80 percent of a person's lifetime exposure to UV occurring before the age of 18, it's crucial that good eyewear protection habits start early in life. It is recommended that all children wear wraparound sunglasses with good UV protection to minimise the damage caused by harmful UV rays. Prescription sunglass options are also available for children requiring vision correction.
