Why you should always test your child’s eyes and why is it important?

We all want our children to be super-children; at school, at home, with friends. But there is a test we sometimes forget which is very important for them to be that super-child we want. That is the vision test.

It is important for our children to have their vision tested regularly as they progress through primary and secondary school. As a result, children’s vision problems can go undetected, affecting their physical, emotional and social development. That’s why it’s important for all children to have an eye test before they start school and every two years thereafter.

Common Vision Problems in Children

The most common vision problems in children include:

• Long-sightedness – Difficulty seeing objects up close.
• Short-sightedness – Difficulty seeing objects in the distance.
• Astigmatism – Occurs when the eye is shaped more like a rugby ball instead of a tennis ball, distorting one’s vision.

Be aware of the children vision problem symptoms

Whether it be reading, writing, blackboard work, using a computer or tablet or playing mobile games; a child’s eyes are continuously in use in the classroom, at home and at play.

We tend to assume that children’s vision is the same as everyone else’s and hence, it’s common for visual problems to go unnoticed. As parents, it is important to be aware of the symptoms that may indicate that our child has a vision problem. Such symptoms include:

• 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

So help them be super kid! Call in at any of our practices and book them an eye test.