Children's Eyes
During childhood years, young eyes are subject to many changes. If problems can be identified early, usually they can be corrected quite easily. However, if the problems are left to the later years, they can be more difficult to rectify.
We can test children’s eyes from the age of 9 months, and suggest you keep regular check ups from then on.
The most common eye conditions affecting children are:
Myopia (short sight)
Children with myopia tend to concentrate on near work and are less aware of the wider environment (or other people). Glasses can help them to focus more clearly at a distance.
Hypermetropia (long sight)
Hypermetropia can be corrected by wearing glasses. Children with undetected hypermetropia may be reluctant to perform near tasks, such as reading and writing, and prefer more practical activities.
Astigmatism (blurred vision)
Children with this condition see a distorted image. It is caused by a refractive error that prevents a sharp focus on the retina. This condition can be corrected with spectacles, for both distance and near tasks.
Strabismus (squint)
Having a squint means that the eyes do not work together in unison. One is directed inwards or outwards relative to the other. In some cases the brain discounts the image from a squint eye, causing it to become lazy.
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
A lazy eye may be treated by patching the good eye, forcing the child to use their lazy eye.
Monocular vision (vision in one eye)
Monocular vision reduces the visual field so that a child needs to turn their head to see what is happening on the "blind" side. The child can be helped by positioning their seat in class to make it easier for them to see the board and other visual resources without having to turn their head.
Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement)
Nystagmus involves rapid movement of the eye. The eyes generally move from side to side, but can also move up and down or in a circular movement. It generally reduces the child’s ability to see clearly. It is often more marked when the child is tired or agitated. Most children with nystagmus need to wear glasses, although these do not cure the condition.