Sight is the most crucial of the senses. According to the American Optometric Association, 80% of all learning is achieved through the sense of vision. Therefore, kids’ eyesight needs to be watched. Detecting vision problems in young children should be done early so problems can be corrected before they begin to hinder the ability to learn and get along in life.
Screen for Childhood Vision Problems Early
Unlike adults, many children who are having trouble with blurred or impaired eyesight may not even realize it. This is why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus (AAPOS) all promote screening for vision problems in children at every routine health visit including during the newborn period.
Despite the recommendations, many pediatricians do not screen for visual acuity in the office until the age of five. It is up to parents to ask for eye screening of their children earlier. Why so early? Even though a child who experiences vision problems may not be aware, her brain will recognize eyesight trouble quickly and compensate. The longer a vision problem goes undiagnosed, the more a child’s brain will change as it develops.
Some Vision Problems Can be Fixed – Amblyopia in Children
The way the brain trains itself to see is of particular importance in children with amblyopia (lazy eye). Crossed eyes and eyes that don’t line up (strabismus), or a large discrepancy in visual acuity in one eye over another (caused by nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) can result in amblyopia—the leading cause of vision impairment in children.
As the brain determines that it can use one eye more effectively, it proceeds to completely ignore the blurry eye, causing it to become “lazy.” According to Prevent Blindness America, amblyopia can result in uncorrectable vision loss. Patching and wearing eyeglasses may be required, and as a general rule of thumb it needs to be done for one week per every year of age – a compelling reason to get a child’s eyes examined early.
Symptoms of Vision Impairment in Children
Parents can help to identify signs of vision trouble by paying close attention to their child’s behavior at home. The following may be signs of kids’ eyesight problems:
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Tilting the head when looking at things closely
- Complaints of dizziness and headaches
- History of eye problems in the family
Parents should also pay close attention to the child’s developing reading skills. If the child is frustrated with reading assignments, loses patience with reading worksheets or complains of blurred vision, being tired or seeing double while reading, then it might not be a problem with the child’s ability to read. It could be a vision problem. Schedule an eye appointment right away.
Preparing Young Kids for an Eye Exam
Parents of children under five years old can help them prepare ahead of time by getting them familiar with the symbols (letters, numbers, etc.) used in a typical eye exam. That way when the time comes for the test, ophthalmologists can gather the most accurate information possible about the child’s vision.
In order to teach young children about letters and numbers, a parent can play some educational board games, use flash cards or sing the "ABC" song to children. TV programs such as Sesame Street will also teach basic letters and numbers. Finally, it is always important for parents to read to their children regularly. Recommended books for the season or in general will engage children and motivate them to learn how to read.
Unfortunately, there are vision impairments that will never be improved. There are many degenerative vision diseases (for example, retinitis pigmentosa) that will result in eventual blindness. Luckily, there are many assistive technologies that can aid a child with low vision, helping them learn all they can so that they can be productive and maximize their independence. Discovering vision problems early will allow families to make provisions for the future.
Sources:
Prevent Blindness Website. " Common Eye Problems in Children " (accessed January 11, 2011).
American Optometric Association Website. "School-Aged Vision: 6 to 18 Years of Age" (accessed January 11, 2011).
Karen Plumley - Karen Plumley is a writer specializing in parenting and education. She works for Parenting NH and the Hippo, NH's most widely read ...
