Junior & Teen Eyecare
If your child has vision problems that don’t get picked up at an earlyage, their learning may be significantly hampered. Reading, writing, looking at the white board, using computers - all these activities rely on the ability to see well.
If your child is demonstrating any of the below, you should consult your optometrist:
- Your child avoids reading and much other close-range visual work.
- Your child attempts to do their work but with a low level of understanding and efficiency.
- Your child regularly experiences discomfort, fatigue and demonstrates a short attention span.
Symptoms like these can be attributed to a variety of causes, but could simply be due to an eye condition.
Early Signs of Eye and Vision Problems
Many young children at this age aren’t aware they have sight problems, they think that this is just how everyone sees the world - this is why it’s crucial for parents to act.
If your child exhibits any of the below problems, be sure to take them to visit the optometrist:
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Short attention span
- Avoiding reading and other close activities
- Frequent headaches
- Covering one eye
- Tilting the head to one side
- Holding reading materials close to the face
- An eye turning in or out/Cross-Eyed
- Seeing double
- Losing place when reading
- Difficulty remembering what he or she read
When Should I Book an Eye Exam for My Child?
Your child should receive an eye examination at least every two years, and definitely before they start school, but this can vary according to the instructions of your optometrist. School vision screenings do not equate to thorough eye examinations by a qualified optometrist. If you have an concerns, please do book your child in to see the optometrist.
Vision for Sports and Protecting the Eyes
The ability to participate in sports and play outside is also a central part of most children’s lives. Visual skills often required include:
- Good distance vision
- Accurate depth perception
- A wide field of vision
- Effective hand-eye coordination
What sometimes gets overlooked is the importance of protecting the eyes when it comes to playing sports outside. Thousands of children a year suffer from sport induced eye injuries because they have no protective eyewear.
Children who are outside a lot in hot weather may also be at risk of eye damage from ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. If this sounds like your child, you should invest in a good pair of UV-protective sunglasses. You may also be pleased to know that some sport-specific designs may even help to improve sports performance!
