As parents, we always wish for the best for our children — a healthy, happy life in which they can discover, learn, and enjoy every moment. Yet sometimes, what will help them develop and flourish such as reading, playing, or merely engaging with the world about them, may become challenging, due to the undiagnosed vision difficulties.
Due to the higher screen usage, especially with e-learning, eye problems such as myopia (nearsightedness) are on the increase. As a matter of fact, research indicates that one in four children of school age suffer from some vision impairment. Such issues may interfere with their development and will oftentimes go unnoticed since children don’t always know how to articulate what is piquing their concern.
At Tandon Eye Hospital, we believe that early treatment and detection are key in ensuring that your child is able to enjoy all of life’s experiences to its fullest. Below is a guide to the signs that may indicate that your child should have an eye check-up:
● Difficulty While Reading or with Schoolwork
Schoolwork and reading occupy a huge amount of your child’s time, but what happens if suddenly they appear bored or are lagging behind? Sometimes vision difficulties manifest themselves through lack of interest in schoolwork, particularly if they are unable to read it properly.
Signs to lookout for:
- Skips words or lines of text when reading
- Reads slowly or unevenly, particularly with small print
- Complaints of not being able to read the blackboard or having trouble keeping up in class
- Holding books or screens closer than or farther away from their eyes than is normal
If your child begins to shy away from reading or is having trouble completing homework, it could be a sign that their eyesight is causing them trouble, and they need to have their eyes examined.
● Struggles with Sports or Physical Activities
When kids are playing sports, they depend on good eyesight to judge distance, catch a ball, or even get around obstacles. If your child is frequently missing catches, bumping into things, or appears to have difficulty judging distances, it might indicate a vision problem.
Vision issues can impact coordination and make it more difficult for your child to participate in the things they enjoy. Whether it’s sports such as cricket, badminton, or even playing catch, good vision is essential for effective performance.
● Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain
If your child is complaining of headaches frequently, particularly after reading or computer use, their eyes may be working extra hard or getting strained while focusing. Watery eyes or discharge from the eyes can also indicate vision issues. These may not always be apparent, but listen if they’re complaining that something doesn’t feel right.
● Obvious Eye Defects
At other times, eye issues are instantly apparent. If your child has an obvious eye problem, like:
- Squinting or crossing of eyes (strabismus)
- Sagging eyelids (ptosis)
- White reflex from the pupil or large, bulging eyes (which may be a sign of congenital glaucoma)
It’s vital to get professional assistance immediately. Treatment for these conditions should be managed early and ensure that your child develops good eyesight.
● Excessive Squinting or Rubbing of Eyes
Does your child rub or squint their eyes frequently, particularly when they are concentrating on something? They may be experiencing visual strain. It’s a normal reaction when their eyes are struggling to focus, and although it can look like an harmless habit, it’s a sign that their eyes might not be functioning correctly.
What Can You Do?
As Parents, you know your child better than anyone else. If you see any of these signs, don’t brush them off. Kids don’t always complain about being uncomfortable, so if they do, it’s our job to watch for their behaviors and determine if something is wrong:
Here’s how you can assist:
- Listen to their complaints: If your child complains that something doesn’t look right or gets frustrated with their eyesight, listen to them.
- Plan an eye check-up early: Children should have their first eye examination at the age of 3-4 years, just before they enter school. It’s advisable to have an eye check-up every year to keep a check on their eye health.
- Act fast if you spot any problems: Even if your child doesn’t complain about anything, it’s always best to have their eyes examined. A pediatric eye expert can identify problems early and give your child the appropriate treatment for their eye condition.
At Tandon Eye Hospital, we believe in providing your child with the best possible care. Our skilled pediatric ophthalmologists are here to offer the proper diagnosis and treatment, employing the most advanced technology to detect and treat any vision issues early on. Whether it’s a simple check-up or a more complicated case, we’re here to help your child achieve the healthy vision they need to thrive in all walks of life.
