Good vision plays a vital role in a child’s learning and development. As children may not realise that what they see isn’t normal, it is easy for vision problems to go unnoticed.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining healthy vision and preventing long-term vision issues. At Capital Eye, your optometrist in Canberra, we recommend that all children undergo a routine eye examination before starting school, or earlier if you have any concerns.
With kindergarten transitions already beginning, now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s eye exam.
While routine checks are essential, keep an eye out for any of the following signs, which may indicate a vision problem:
- Eye turn (strabismus): One eye turning in, out, up, or down, even occasionally.
- Head tilt or face turn: A child who consistently tilts their head or covers one eye when focusing
- Squinting or sitting very close to screens or books.
- Frequent eye rubbing or complaints of tired eyes.
- Children are complaining that words are moving or skipping when they read.
- Family history: If there’s a family history of amblyopia (lazy eye), myopia (short-sightedness), or other eye conditions, your child may be at higher risk.
The Bottom Line
Many childhood vision problems, such as amblyopia (also known as lazy eye) or strabismus (eye turn), can be effectively treated if identified and addressed early. Delayed detection can make treatment more challenging and may result in long-term vision impairment in one eye.
Likewise, if myopia is detected early, myopia control treatments can reduce the progression of short-sightedness, which has lifelong implications.
Now that term 4 is in full swing and before the school holiday rush, book an appointment to have your child’s vision assessed.