Early eye exams for children a must

Children with undetected vision problems often have trouble with their schoolwork, explains Dr Arif Adenwala, Specialist Ophthalmologist, Zulekha Hospital.

Many times children do not complain of vision problems simply because they don’t know what ‘normal’ vision looks like.

If your child is performing poorly at school, be sure to have his or her eyes examined.

Mohammed Aamir Anwer, Optometrist, Zulekha Hospital, Dubai, explains that eye exams for children are extremely important because 5 to 10 per cent of preschoolers and 25 per cent of school-aged children have vision problems. “Early identification of a child’s vision problem can be crucial because children often are more responsive to treatment when problems are diagnosed early.”

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children should have eye exams at age 3, and just before they enter the first grade — at about age 5 or 6.

For school-aged children, the AOA recommends an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required. Children who need eyeglasses or contact lenses should be examined annually or as recommended by their optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Early eye exams are important also because children need the skills related to good eyesight for learning.

The family doctor or pediatrician should be the first medical professional to examine your child’s eyes. If eye problems are suspected during routine physical examinations, a referral might be made to an eye doctor for further evaluation.

Some parents are surprised to learn that preschool-age children do not need to know their letters in order to undergo certain eye tests, even when they are too young or too shy to verbalise.

Trained vision screeners may be able to detect certain eye problems in preschoolers. Advantage of vision testing in children will avoid any permanent vision loss due to refractive error, prevent the amblyopic eye and the strabismus (misalignment of eyes).

You should first show your child which spectacle frames are right for him or her. If the colour is right, then your child will be motivated and proud to wear the spectacles.

Spectacles for children should be comfortable and sit consistently well, without slipping. Patience will be needed when buying the spectacles and afterwards. Toddlers and babies in particular will need time before they keep the spectacles on their noses. You’ve succeeded if your child gladly wears the spectacles, understands why he needs them and is proud of the new accessory. Also, make sure to use the services and the information that your eye care professional can provide. -news@khaleejtimes.com