Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of your child. You want your child to thrive, and their eyesight is often the key to that - The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 80% of all learning before age 12 comes through the eyes.
More than 1 in 20Â preschool-age children and 1 in 4Â school-age children have a vision disorder according to Prevent Blindness. It's important to diagnose any eye problems your child may have early to minimise potential permanent damage and make treatment faster and more effective.
But what age should your child have an eye test, is the school vision screening in reception enough, and what can your child expect from a visit to the optician?
Why Do Children Need Eye Tests?
Many common eye problems are symptomless and develop in early childhood. If left undiagnosed and untreated, these problems can not only cause eye health issues, but also disrupt the child's ability to pay attention in class.
Unfortunately, in some cases, children with visual problems end up being misdiagnosed with ADHD or another type of learning disorder. Hence, it is essential to make sure that your child’s sight is as it should be. This ensures that all of their unique needs are met, and that they are able to participate to the best of their ability in school and other activities.
At What Age?
As a general rule, it's recommended that your child has a thorough eye examination with an optometrist before they start school (around age 4).
But this should be done earlier if any of the following are present:
One eye turns in/out (may only be present when tired).
Screwing up eyes to focus.
Sitting close to objects (e.g. TV).
Frequently closes one eye.
Continuous head tilt.
Even if your child's vision seems OK, it's still essential they have a full eye examination to check their eye health and to avoid any symptomless problems getting worse if left untreated.
A 3-year-old having an Optomap (more on this later!)
What To Expect
We know that eye examinations can be a little daunting for some children, especially if it’s their first time. We aim to make the process as friendly and enjoyable as possible for your loved ones (drinks, biscuits, balloons & stickers included!).
If you're worried, pop in to your local optician practice to get a feel for the place & meet the team... this should put your little one at ease when it's time for their appointment.
Children’s eye tests are a little different from those for adults. Don't worry... they don't have to sit perfectly still whilst answering whether it's better with 1 or 2!
Specially designed charts are used to allow children to recognise shapes or pictures. Even if they're unable to recognise or verbalise shapes, alternative methods called 'objective refraction' where a machine is used to measure the eye's reflex to establish the prescription. You will, of course, be able to stay with your child throughout the test.
As well as checking the prescription, your optician will also evaluate the eye muscles and associated structures to ensure they are healthy too. Most of these can be made in to fun & interactive "games" for your child.
Even though some of the equipment will differ from what you're used to in an adult eye exam, your child’s eye test is not any less accurate than your own.
A young client enjoying a drink & biscuits... it
can be a fun experience for your little ones!
School Screening
Your child's eyes may be examined at school soon after they start, this is called 'vision screening' and it checks for reduced vision. The aim of this screening is to detect any problems with your child's vision, it does not check your child's eye health.
These vision screenings are very limited, and are NOT a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist.
It is crucial for parents to understand that reliance on these school vision screenings can cause many complications for a child — whilst they can uncover some vision problems, they cannot effectively identify most.
Optomap
Optos ultra-widefield imaging (Optomap) technology is the gold-standard for diagnosing eye problems in children and infants. The cutting-edge innovation can show signs of ocular or systemic disease before children become symptomatic.
This revolutionary equipment was invented by Douglas Anderson after his 5-year-old son went blind in one eye from an undiagnosed retinal detachment. Although his son was having regular eye exams, it was near impossible for the optometrist to view the entire retina (as it requires sitting completely still and following direction for long periods of time).
Douglas set out to create a way of non-invasively capturing as much of the retina as possible, in a single image. Optomap captures up to 85% of the retina in less than a second! It's quick, non-invasive, pain-free, and can be done at any age. Results from several published clinical studies suggest Optomap is an essential part of a child's eye examination.
This slideshow highlights the difference between traditional techniques to view your child's retina compared with Optomap imaging. The last slide shows a retinal hole which wasn't visible previously.
Protection Advice
Regular eyecare
As many eye problems are symptomless, regular examinations (at least annually) are essential.
Include Optomap imaging for gold-standard care.
UV protection
Children can absorb up to 80% of their lifetime's UV exposure by age 18. This exposure can lead to serious long-term eye problems - The World Health Organization.
Sunglasses or clear lenses (regular glasses) with a built in UV filter are perfect to protect your child's sight.
Regular screen breaks
Reduce your child’s eye strain by reminding them to take breaks from screen time or near-work.
Time outside
Slowing the progression of short-sightedness has been linked with spending time outdoors.
It is recommended to spend at least 60-80 minutes outside each day. Time outdoors allows natural light to enter the eye and gives the eye muscles a chance to relax, while encouraging healthy lifestyle habits.
Ensure your child is getting the very best eyecare, book their appointment with Optomap today.
Comments