Seeing Through the Eyes of a Child
Think all children have healthy eyes and good vision? Think again. Vision Screening completed by us in Schools across India, indicate upwards of 30% children have vision problems, this number reaches a staggering 50% when you look at Senior Students in Schools.This can potentially cause problems in learning and behaviour.
It’s easy to understand why. Because many of all children haven’t had a real, comprehensive eye exam. Many need glasses, and don’t even know it! And, because virtually everything kids learn comes through their eyes, they’re at a severe disadvantage in school and other activities when they can’t see well.
Vision Problems Can Spell Other Problems for Kids
Too often, a child who can’t see well is misdiagnosed with a totally unrelated behavioural problem like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This misdiagnosis can then start a frustrating chain of events for parents and kids alike, from unnecessary doctors visits and special classes to medications. When, in reality, the true solution might be right before their eyes: a simple pair of glasses!
Vision Screenings is Important!
To do their very best in school, and in life, your child needs a quality, comprehensive eye exam from an Eye Care Professional!
When it comes to your child’s health, eye exams often get overlooked. One in four children have difficulty seeing in school, affecting their ability to learn — it’s hard to learn the material if they can’t see the board. School vision screenings are a great way to understand if the child has a problem or not, this is especially true for very young children.
If regular vision screenings are not conducted at Schools, you may consider visiting an Ophthalmologist for detailed eye examination.
During a visit to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam, the doctor will look at things, such as the overall health of the eyes, how the eyes work together, and whether your child’s eyes are focusing correctly.
Regular vision screening is also important even if your child already wears spectacles, children are continuosuly growing and hence with this growth vision changes take place. Our screenings indicate more than 18% of students wearing glasses not being able to see well, as they haven’t had any vision examination after their initial examination.
How Can I See a Vision Problem in My Child?
When you know what you’re looking for, it can be relatively easy to spot a problem with your child’s vision. Keep an eye out for these symptoms or behaviours:
- Avoiding or not liking reading
- Short attention span
- Difficulty throwing or catching a ball, copying from a chalkboard or tying their shoes
- Pulling a book in close to their face, or sitting too close to a TV
- Lots of blinking or eye rubbing
- Guiding their eyes with a finger or pencil while reading
- Falling performance in school
Remember, your child can’t explain that they have a vision problem (especially young children) – they have no understanding of what it means to see properly! So don’t leave their eye health up to them; make sure they get a comprehensive eye exam!
Get Their Eye Exam on the Calendar!
It is recommended that kids have a comprehensive eye exam when they’re 6 months, three years and five years old. After that, they should have annually – or every two years if no correction is needed. This is one of the reasons, Health promoting Schools have regular vision check-ups for the students.
Source: www.thinkaboutyoureyes.com
