By Deon Hattingh, B.Optom (UJ)
Vision is much more than clarity; it’s about comfort and functionality. Even if your child can see clearly, they may still benefit from glasses to enhance their visual comfort and efficiency. This is particularly crucial in paediatric optometry, where children may not recognize or articulate their discomfort due to a lack of comparison.
Identifying the Need for Spectacles in Children
Children perceive the world uniquely because they don’t compare their vision to others. This means they might not recognize blurry or uncomfortable vision as abnormal. Changes such as increased headaches or fatigue from digital device use might be signs your child needs to adjust their vision with spectacles.
Behavioural Signs of Vision Issues
Often, children communicate their visual discomfort through behaviour rather than words. Signs your child might be struggling with vision include:
● Disruptiveness in class or difficulty sitting still.
● Reluctance or distress over schoolwork, which might be an avoidance of near tasks.
● Frequent eye rubbing, blinking, or excessive clumsiness.
● Preferring certain positions to watch TV or hold a phone, which may indicate discomfort from their usual viewing angle.
Visual Development and Regular Eye Examinations
A child’s visual development is critical to their overall growth, with approximately 80% of learning being visual. Regular pediatric eye examinations, starting as early as six months, are essential. These check-ups are especially important before major educational transitions, such as starting primary school or moving from lower to higher grades, where visual demands increase.
Myopia Management in Children
If there’s a family history of short-sightedness, children are at a higher risk. Modern optometry offers myopia management strategies that can slow the progression of short-sightedness, thus preventing the need for increasingly thick lenses. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
The Role of Optometry in a Child’s Academic and Social Development
Children with uncorrected visual impairments might need to exert more effort academically, which can be misinterpreted as a learning disability. Comprehensive eye care, which includes vision therapy and managing conditions like convergence insufficiency, can alleviate these challenges and support your child’s success in school.
Conclusion
For every parent observing their child’s behaviour or academic performance, consider a thorough evaluation by a family optometrist. These professionals are equipped to diagnose and manage a range of paediatric vision issues from general optometry needs to specialized conditions. Ensuring your child’s visual system is adequately supported is crucial for their development and day-to-day comfort. Remember, an early paediatric optometry assessment is a proactive step towards securing not just your child’s vision but their overall well-being and academic performance. Your family optometrist is here to support every step of your child’s visual journey.
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