Five important questions:
- Should I test my child’s eyes?
- When is the best time?
- How often should I do this?
- What are the possible outcomes from the visit?
- What can happen if I don’t bother?
These are extremely important questions for every family, especially as we approach the beginning of a new school year. We generally recommend an annual eye test for all children from the age of 4, especially before starting school. There are of course other situations that require earlier or more frequent assessment.
The frequency of eye problems in children is surprisingly high, and children are unlikely to notice, let alone complain. In the last decade, this number may have increased with changing lifestyle factors including less time spent outdoors and increasing levels of near vision tasks, particularly screens.1 Many other factors are important including the child’s general health and family history of eye problems. For many vision problems, there is a narrow window of opportunity in childhood to correct things. Parents therefore need to be on high alert.
With that in mind, there are three common reasons to take your child to see the optometrist. The first is, of course, if a problem is noticed, e.g. eye-rubbing, squinting, headaches, clumsiness, or an eye turn. The second is if there is a family history of vision problems (especially a lazy eye which can be corrected if diagnosed and managed before it’s too late) or a need for glasses. And finally, for a check-up before starting school, even if there are no symptoms or significant family history.
Sometimes children (and even parents) may be reluctant to bring their child for a check-up because of fear of the unknown. What are the possible outcomes of the visit? The most common outcomes include: reassurance, a prescription for glasses, patching (more on this in future articles), re-examination after some time, or referral to an ophthalmologist
“Back to our five questions. Should I test my child’s eyes? Yes. When is the best time? Now. How often should I do this? At least annually. What are the possible outcomes? Reassurance, glasses, patching, re-examination or referral. ”
The keen-eyed readers will notice that one of the questions (perhaps the most important one) was missed! What can happen if I don’t bother? My child’s vision and subsequently concentration, behaviour, academic progress and even confidence can be unnecessarily hindered. Don’t let that be your child.
1. Lin Z, Vasudevan B, Jhanji V, Mao GY, Gao TY, Wang FH, Rong SS, Ciuffreda KJ, Liang YB. Near work, outdoor activity, and their association with refractive error. Optom Vis Sci 2014; 91: 376-82.
Disclaimer: Please remember that information provided by Lighthouse Optometrists in the absence of a visit must be considered as an educational service only. This information should not be relied upon as a consultation.