Health Review

Every month, Wight Optometrists will highlight an important area of eye care here.

This month:

  • Vision Problems in Children

    Your child's vision is the most important tool he has to succeed in school. When his vision suffers, chances are his schoolwork does, too. In fact, up to 25 percent of schoolchildren may have vision problems that can affect their ability to learn, according to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.

    School-age children also spend a lot of time in recreational activities that require good vision. After-school team sports or playing in the backyard aren't as fun if you can't see well.

    Child's visionRefractive errors (poor visual acuity or the presence of astigmatism) are the main concern for school-age children. Parents, as well as teachers, should keep a watchful eye out for these 13 signals that a child's vision needs correction:

    1. Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
    2. Losing his place while reading
    3. Using a finger to follow along while reading
    4. Squinting
    5. Tilting the head to see better
    6. Frequent eye rubbing
    7. Sensitivity to light
    8. Excessive tearing
    9. Closing one eye to read, watch TV or see better
    10. Avoiding activities which require near vision, such as reading or homework, or distance vision, such as participating in sports or other recreational activities
    11. Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
    12. Avoiding using a computer, because it "hurts his eyes"
    13. Receiving lower grades than usual

    Schedule an appointment with Wight Optometrists if your child exhibits the above signs. A visit with the Optometrist may reveal that your child is nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatic. These three refractive errors are easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

    Also if you have a current community services card and your child is 16years or under, the examination and part of the spectacle cost (if needed) will be covered by the Enable Subsidy.

    Eye Exams : How often?

    Children should have an eye exam by no later than 6 months old, then again by age 3, and just before starting school. School-age children need an exam every two to three years after that if they have no visual problems. But if your child requires eyeglasses or contact lenses, schedule visits every 12 months.

    Prescriptions change frequently, because vision matures along with your child. Your optometrist will also ensure that your child has the visual skills necessary for succeeding in school, such as using the eyes as a team, peripheral vision, ease of focusing from distance to near and eye/hand coordination.

     
    • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11