Don’t be blinkered over kids’ eye tests
Limit screen time and make sure you take children for regular check-ups
INCREASING numbers of children need glasses and opticians suspect excessive screen time may be the reason behind the rise.
Research has found the number of 13 to 16-year-olds needing specs has almost doubled over the past seven years. In 2012, Scrivens Opticians found 20 per cent of young teens required glasses but the figure increased to 35 per cent last year.
Of those who needed glasses or contact lenses, 66 per cent were short-sighted (myopic).
Scrivens found 13 to 16-year-olds typically spend 26 hours a week looking at mobiles and tablets, watching TV and playing video games. Experts suspect so much time looking at screens leads to eye strain, which can, in turn, cause blurred vision and short-sightedness.
Scrivens optometrist Sheena Mangat said: “More research needs to be done into why myopia, in particular, is presenting in children in higher numbers, especially when it comes to determining if there’s a link to screen time.
“Trying to encourage children away from their tech to playing outside is not only going to be good for their vision but their overall wellbeing, too.”
Mangat explained that the first eight years of a child’s life are critical for eye and vision development, and particular problems can only be corrected if treatment starts at a young age.
“Getting your children’s eyes tested should be a priority,” she added.
“We don’t think twice about taking our kids to the GP should they become ill or the dentist for checks – but arguably, an annual eye health examination is just as important.
“Many children don’t understand what’s ‘normal’ when it comes to their vision, so probably won’t know if they’re having problems. That’s where an eye test will reveal any issues that, in most cases, can be corrected through prescription glasses or contact lenses.”
The Association of Optometrists says research shows around 20 per cent of school-aged children have an undiagnosed vision problem.
But really there’s no excuse for children being undiagnosed, as eye tests are free for children.
It’s recommended under-16s have an eye test every year.
“Children’s eyes continue to grow until early adulthood, and their vision is changing too,” explained Mangat. “Because conditions such as short or long-sightedness can happen gradually, neither children nor parents can see the signs, which is why regular eye checks are so important.”
What are the signs that might suggest a youngster has a problem? Headaches
Mangat said: “The headaches are caused by eye strain where the eye muscles are being overworked as they strain to focus.” Sitting close to the TV
They may be doing this because they are struggling to see. Dry eyes
When eyes feel gritty and dry, or like there’s something in them. Tilting head or covering one eye Doing this can sometimes help children focus on an object. Holding books close to their face when reading, and difficulty concentrating “Not only will seeing clearly make reading and writing easier but it will help levels of concentration and help children remember what’s being taught,” said Mangat.
“Being able to detect any issues with sight at this crucial stage of development and education can help to ensure your child doesn’t fall behind.”
Conditions that can be identified with an eye test include: Short-sightedness (myopia) Distant objects appear blurred, while close objects can be seen clearly. Long-sightedness (hyperopia) You can see distant objects clearly but nearby objects are out of focus. Astigmatism
Where the transparent layer at the front of the eye (cornea) is not perfectly curved. Lazy eye (amblyopia)
Where the vision in one eye doesn’t develop properly. Colour blindness Difficulty seeing colours or distinguishing between different colours; this is more common in boys than girls. Squint (strabismus) Where the eyes look in different directions. Childhood cataracts Cloudy patches in the lens of the eye. General health problems Including, high blood pressure, tumours, raised cholesterol, diabetes and increased risk of stroke.
Kids’ eyes grow until early adulthood and their vision is changing too