Proper vision management is critical for a child’s development, especially when it comes to their education. Children require healthy vision in order to read and write in order to keep up with the rest of their peers. If your child can’t see well, they may have trouble learning in class, which may lead to lower grades in school. Among common eye conditions that develop at an early age are refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). Sometimes symptoms of these vision problems are not obvious, which includes:

  • Lack of interest in activities that involves using their sight. 
  • Constant squinting or blinking. 
  • Experiencing headaches related to eye strain. 
  • Placing an object closer to their eye. 
  • Eye redness. 
  • Watery eyes 
  • Tilting their head to one side when looking at an object.

Thus, it is suggested to bring them for their first comprehensive eye examination at six years old, and their eyes should be examined at regular intervals of every six months or one year, depending on Optometrist/Optician recommendations after their initial eye examination.

Eye Examination

If refractive errors are detected in a child’s eye during examination, vision correction such as eyeglasses or contact lenses may be recommended for the child. For very young children, plastic frames are normally recommended for their safety. For older children, if they are selecting their own frames, choosing frames with spring hinges are suggested as they are more durable. As for their prescription lenses, polycarbonate lenses may be more suitable for children as it is impact resistant and lightweight, particularly if they are very active or play sports.

Also, children are more at risk from the effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays on their eyes as their pupils are larger and the lens inside the eyes are clearer compared to adults. This would enable a higher rate of absorption of UV radiation into their eyes. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the children's eye is protected sufficiently when outdoors by wearing a pair of quality sunglasses. You may consult your Optometrist/Optician to determine the most suitable sunglasses for your children.

Other important healthy eye habits for children include preparing balanced nutritious meals for your child, as their eye requires enough nutrients to fight against eye diseases and improve their overall eye health. Examples of healthy foods for the eyes are leafy greens, fish, eggs, seeds, nuts and citrus fruits. Consuming enough water is also important as it may reduce the symptoms of dry eyes and prevent dehydration.

With the increased usage of digital devices among children, it is also essential to limit their exposure to digital screens. Overexposure to digital screens may lead to digital eye strain and also worsen any existing eye conditions. Enforce the 20-20-20 rule whenever your child is staring at digital screens, where every 20 minutes, stare at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This may help to relieve symptoms of digital eye strain.

Eyesight is the most precious gift among the five senses, therefore having good eye health habits can prevent eye conditions from worsening. Early detection of these eye conditions is crucial, as it can help save your child’s vision and your money. Do not hesitate to consult us for any enquiries regarding your child’s vision, and our qualified optometrists and opticians will be happy to assist you in vision management solutions. Your vision is our priority!