CHILDREN'S VISION

Hints for reading
» Read in a room with good and even lighting
» Do not lie on the floor and read
» After every few pages look about the room or into the distance

Hints for computer and video game use
If a child uses a computer for more than two hours a day they are likely to experience eye strain with symptoms including blurred or double vision, loss of focus, burning or tired eyes, headaches or neck and shoulder pain. Tips on reducing eye strain caused by computers are below:
» Have even room lighting
» Minimise reflections from the monitor
» Take a break every few minutes and look around the room
» Physically stand upright every 20 minutes and look around the room
» For video games, sit as far back as the leads allow

Hints on avoiding UV damage
» The sun’s effects are strongest between 10am and 4pm - avoiding the sun between those times will reduce UV exposure
» Sunglasses and Transitions® lenses (lenses that go dark in the sun and become clear again when you go indoors) will reduce the amount of UV reaching a student’s eyes
» A broad-brimmed hat will reduce the amount of UV reaching a child’s eyes by half

Hints on watching television
» Have a small light on in the room when watching television - the room should not be totally dark
» Place the television so that there is no glare or reflection from lights or windows
» Frequently look away from the TV set — around the room
» Have the TV set approximately at or slightly below eye level

There are also other eye problems and diseases that have no obvious symptoms. Remember vision is a precious sense. Children need to have regular eye examinations.

The importance of good vision
Good vision is essential for a child to reach their full potential. More than 80 percent of the information children receive about the world comes through their eyes. Vision problems can severely impact on a child’s educational, physical and social development.

It is important for a parent to recognise the signs of vision defects as often a child is not aware that they have a problem. Children lack the benefit of an adult’s experience and just assume that their vision is normal.

Protecting a child’s vision
Protecting a child’s vision includes being aware of the signs that indicate an immediate problem as well as putting in place preventative measures.

Through regular eye examinations and by taking some simple preventative measures you are helping to protect your child from conditions that if undetected can lead to permanent vision impairment or blindness.

The most common vision problems in children
The most common problems with children’s vision are those affecting the ability to see clearly and sharply. Myopia (blurred distance vision), Hyperopia (increased difficulty focusing at near) and stigmatism (distortion of vision), are the three most prevalent vision conditions among children.

These problems are well known and often parents and teachers will look for them. Once recognised, they are usually easy to correct.

Other vision problems
Another group of vision problems among children involves what is known as visual performance. These problems frequently escape detection in school vision tests and other vision screenings, but are commonly observed by parents and teachers. Types of visual performance problems include:
» Poor co-ordination of the eyes
» Turned eye
» Eye movement defects
» Poor hand-eye co-ordination
» Difficulties maintaining clear focus over time

Regular examinations
Vision disorders are common in school-aged children and the prevalence of vision disorders increases as children progress through school. Optometrists Association Australia recommends that all children should have a comprehensive eye and vision examination every two years throughout their schooling.

Quick screenings, which are conducted in fewer schools throughout Australia, are no substitute for an optometric examination. A thorough eye examination takes approximately 30 minutes and attracts a Medicare rebate.