Children experiencing problems with reading could be experiencing eye troubles. Problems with vision can affect reading, learning and overall performance at school. In South Africa, poor vision is impacting young people. Here's why eye tests for children are so important.
A Cape Town University study shows that some 450 000 South African youths have problems with seeing. Visual impairment is one of the greatest problems affecting their general health and functioning. So it's easy to understand why eye tests for children are so important.
Literacy issues in kids? Focus on eyes
According to Dynamic Vision Optometrists, poor vision could be thwarting your child's reading abilities. Several studies link uncorrected vision problems with poor levels of literacy. But, it goes beyond a stifled ability to read. Children who battle to see properly can also suffer in other areas such as on the sports field as well as emotionally. Young children may not even realise that they are struggling to see clearly because it is how they have always seen the world and know no different. If your child's reading abilities or performance levels at school are poor - it is worth it to have their eyes checked as part of your investigation into the reasons why.
Find out more about the connection between learning and eyesight and children's vision problems.
When should you first test your child's eyes?
Children should have an eye exam by the age of three. A second test should be conducted just before they start primary school. School-aged children should have their eyes checked every two years if they have no visual issues.
What to look out for
Signs that could indicate vision issues in a child include, among others:
- Sitting too close to the TV
- Using a finger to guide their eyes while reading
- Complaining of sore eyes or headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Introverted behaviour
The effects of screen time
Dynamic Vision Optometrists says that it is increasingly seeing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain, in children and teens. This is due to prolonged exposure to computer screens and other devices. Screens emit blue light, which causes damage to the back of the eye and increases the risk of degeneration and permanent vision loss later in life.
Young people spend a vast amount of time on electronic devices. Screens from tablets and mobile phones are held closer to the face than a book would be, placing strain on developing eyes. Children who spend a lot of time looking at screens playing games, reading, or doing school work can suffer from the symptoms of digital eye strain. This includes headaches, sore and tired eyes, fatigue, vision fluctuation and reduces concentration. These impact reading and school performance, so it is important to have your child's eyes re-checked if they are showing any of these signs.
Read out tips on how to avoid eye strain.
It's important to relax
A solution for those who spend a lot of time looking at screens is accommodative support lenses. These are designed to relax the eyes when looking closely at screens for long periods and then focussing on objects in the distance. Accommodative support lenses in combination with blue light control will support young eyes and reduce digital eye strain and its associated symptoms.
'' Even if your child already wears glasses and appears to be suffering from digital eye strain, it is a good idea to have their eyes checked. This will help to make sure that the prescription is still appropriate '', advises the optometrist company.
Parents should look for signs that their children are struggling to see to prevent other underlying issues. With an early diagnosis, the most common refractive errors can be corrected to avoid strain and further damage to their developing eyes.
