Childrens Vision –
Protect Yours Today
Childrens vision is one of their most important senses.
Almost 80% of their learning comes through vision in the school years.
Vision disorders are common in school-aged children. The prevalence only increases as they get older and the work load increases.
All students should have a thorough eye examination each two years as they progress through school. Quick screenings are insufficient to detect all but the most obvious problems.
If you are a teacher or a parent, you are in a unique position to assist with detecting vision problems in the children under your care.
The most common problems are ones which affect the ability to see clearly and sharply.
Myopia
– short sightedness/near sightedness. This results in blurry distance vision, making it difficult for a child to read text at the front of the classroom.
Hyperopia
– long sightedness. This results in increased difficulty focussing on objects that are close to the child (especially books).
Astigmatism
– a distortion of vision that makes everything blurred at all distances.
Other common problems
Problems with visual performance frequently escape notice on a vision screening, but cause great difficulty for the child.
Reading, writing and using computers require complex interactions and co-ordination of the visual system, far beyond seeing an eyechart. These skills can be learned where they are insufficient.
Vision Problem Checklist
- One eye turns in or out while the other is straight
- Cannot concentrate for any length of time
- Loses place while reading
- Leaves out or confuses words while reading
- Slow in learning to read
- Eyes blink frequently
- Eyes frequently red
- Children with headaches or eyestrain
- Rubs eyes frequently
- Complains of blurred or double vision
- Poor hand-eye co-ordination
- Messy handwriting
- Tilts head noticeably when reading or watching tv
- Covers or closes one eye when reading
- Squints eyes to see in the distance
- Complains of eyes burning or itching
How you can help
Recommend a thorough eye examination with an Optometrist.
When reading, ensure that there is good and even lighting. Look around the room every few pages, or into the distance. Daydreaming out the window is good for the eyes!
If a child uses a computer for more than 2 hours a day, they are very likely to experience eyestrain or headaches with symptoms like blurred or double vision, losing focus, losing concentration. Make sure there is even lighting, but without reflections from the screen.
Encourage your child to look around the room every few minutes. Have them physically stand up and look around the room every 20 minutes.
The same guidelines apply for computer games and gaming consoles. Have them sit as far back as the cords allow. Limit use to 20 minute blocks.
Encourage children to play outside!
Childrens vision is not isolated to book work. Help them to develop hand-eye co-ordination by playing different games and sports with your child.
Of course, ensure they have proper
sun protection.
At Joy of Reading, a former classroom teacher shares her tips and ideas on how to help your child overcome the challenges of reading comprehension, fluency and other areas to make reading a joyful experience for the entire family. You'll find word lists and suggested reading lists for several grade levels.
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High Sight Optometry
Shop 3, 326 Pennant Hills Rd Carlingford NSW 2118 Sydney Australia
Caring for the Sight of Carlingford, North Rocks, Oatlands, Dundas, Telopea, North Parramatta, Northmead, Epping, Beecroft, Eastwood, Parramatta, the Hills District of Sydney.
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