2-minute read
Children almost never tell you that they can't see clearly. They don't know what clear vision should look like, so a blurred blackboard simply seems normal. It is usually a parent or teacher who notices the first signs.
Signs to look out for
Squinting or narrowing the eyes to see
Sitting very close to the television, or holding books and phones near the face
Rubbing the eyes often
Tilting the head or covering one eye
Complaining of headaches or tired eyes, especially after school
Losing their place while reading, or using a finger to follow the words
Having trouble copying from the board
One eye that turns in or out
Why it matters at school
Much of what children learn in the classroom comes through their eyes. A child who can't read the board may fall behind, lose interest or be labelled as inattentive, when the real problem is vision. Often the right pair of spectacles makes a clear difference.
Why early testing matters
A child's vision is still developing. If one eye sees much less clearly than the other, the brain can start to ignore it. This is called lazy eye, or amblyopia. It is much easier to treat when it is found while the child is young, so don't wait for a problem to appear on its own.
Most children's vision problems are refractive errors, such as short sight, long sight or astigmatism, and these are usually corrected with spectacles.
Helping your child's eyes
Encourage time playing outdoors in daylight every day
Take regular breaks from phones, tablets and homework
Make sure there is good light for reading
If spectacles are prescribed, encourage your child to wear them as advised
A child's first full eye test should happen before they start school. If you have noticed any of these signs, request a call back and we will help you arrange an eye screening.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your eyes or health, see a qualified professional.
Photo: Heather Cowper, CC BY 2.0
