This BC HealthFile will help you to identify common vision problems
in elementary school age children. Children's vision continues to develop until
about 8 years of age. After that, eyesight development is complete and cannot
be corrected easily.
Many children do not know that they have a vision problem. Changes
in a child's vision happen very slowly. A child may think that everyone else
sees the same way, especially if a child develops nearsightedness (myopia) and
faraway objects appear blurry.
Some problems can end in permanent vision damage if not corrected early. These
include:
Crossed eyes (strabismus) or the eye muscles point one
or both eyes in the wrong direction.
Lazy eye (amblyopia) or the vision in one eye is weaker
than the other. The child's brain ignores the weak eye and uses the strong
eye to see. If untreated, the child's brain develops a clear picture in the
good eye and a blurry picture in the weak eye. This can result in permanent
problems that cannot be treated.
Vision problems often have a family history. If you know of vision
or eye problems in your family, your child's eyes should be examined by an eye
doctor.
You can prevent eye injuries and increase eye safety for children.
Teach children to play safely with toys and games.
Take rest breaks to avoid eye strain while performing close up activities,
such as using a computer, playing video games, or watching television. These
activities can decrease the natural blink reflex and cause irritated, red,
dry eyes.
Provide an area for homework with even lighting and free from glare or
reflections. Children should take regular breaks to rest their eyes when reading.
Teach children not to walk or run while carrying sharp objects. Objects,
such as pencils, keys, umbrellas, scissors, lollipop sticks, uncooked spaghetti,
drinking straws, or pieces of wire, can cause an eye injury.
Teach children to sit at least 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) away from the television
screen. Make television viewing easier with overall soft lighting.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause eye damage, as well as harm your
skin. Sunglasses are recommended for children and adults. To protect eyes, sunglasses
should:
Have large lenses and a wraparound design, fully covering the eyes;
Fit well or snugly;
Be comfortable for the child;
Have labels with 99-100 per cent UVA and UVB protection; and
Come off easily if any cords or strings are attached and pulled roughly.
If your child wears corrective lenses or glasses, check these for UV protection.
Hats may provide better sun protection. Hats that shade the face and eyes can
be easier for children to keep on than sunglasses. Hats should be worn by children
when playing in the sun to prevent sunburn and any harm to their vision.
Some children, mostly boys, have trouble seeing certain colours. They can
see colours, but they have some trouble identifying some colours. Some colours
can look the same and be harder to tell apart, such as the difference between
grey and purple.
Your child can have a simple colour vision test by an eye doctor to check for
concerns. Knowing this can help you understand and deal with difficulties your
child may be having in learning situations that involve colours.
For More Information
For more information about vision screening in your health authority
please contact your local public health unit.
To find an optometrist in your area, contact the BC Association of Optometrists
at 604-737-9907, or toll-free 1-888-393-2226, or visit www.optometrists.bc.ca.
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