Clear
Close
Searching ...

You can get your child's eyesight tested when they reach school age. This can be done to both examine their vision as well as to assess the overall health of their eyes.

Wondering if you should take your child for an eye test? This brief guide will detail what you need to know about children's eye health - from what to look out for to common eye conditions.

 

Introduction to Kids' Eye Health

Around the age of 4 or 5, you can book your child in for what is known as a "vision screening". This initial test inspects your child's eye health and will detect any symptoms of vision problems.

Up to this point, you need to protect your child's eyesight as much as you possibly can. This can be done by limiting their screen time, feeding them a healthy diet, and only letting them play with age-appropriate toys.

 

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Children

Your child may not be able to communicate the sight issues they're experiencing. It's your responsibility to look out for signs and symptoms and book regular eye examinations.

By taking your child for regular eye examinations, problems can be detected and resolved early.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Vision Problems in Kids

There are several signs of poor eye health you should look out for, including the following:

  • Lack of hand-eye coordination

  • Squinting at digital devices and screens/boards

  • Holding objects close to their eyes

  • Tilting their head

  • Rubbing their eyes

  • A lack of awareness of far-away items

  • A lack of distance awareness

  • Light sensitivity

 

Common Eye Conditions in Children and Their Treatments

If you fail to get your child's eyes tested, they could develop one of the following eye conditions:

  • Astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia - These are three types of refractive errors that are common in children. They prevent light from reflecting correctly off the retina and cause blurred vision. The main treatment of these three errors is to get the child glasses.

  • Binocular vision dysfunction (BVD) - This occurs when your child's eyes are not working together due to a misalignment. This misalignment can be corrected with specialist glasses. If your child regularly suffers from headaches, fatigue, or dizziness, they may have BVD.

  • Amblyopia - This is sometimes referred to as "lazy eye" and is the result of one eye being weaker than the other. The solution to this problem depends on severity. Children diagnosed with amblyopia will either be given glasses or eye drops. They may even be given an eye patch to wear.

 

Promoting Kids' Eye Health

Keep your child's eyes healthy by:

  • Keeping sharp objects out of reach.

  • Looking out for digital eye strain.

  • Watching their visual engagement when playing sports.

If you think your child is suffering from any of the optical health issues highlighted in this article, use Book an Eye Test to book an appointment with a local eye doctor.

We'd also recommend reading our other kids eye health guides.

 

Amblyopia Child With A Lazy Eye
Understanding and Managing Lazy Eye in Kids
Amblyopia otherwise known as Lazy Eye is a common condition where the eye and brain don’t work together as they should.
Small Serious Boy Sitting On Chair Office Of Visio 2023 10 18 05 29 52 Utc
Kids’ Congenital Cataracts: What You Should Know
The lens in your eye is usually clear, but a lens that is cloudy or misty is known as a cataract. If a baby is born with a cataract, it is known as congenital but if it develops after 6 months of age, it is known as an infantile cataract. Causes of cataracts in children Cataracts in children can often be heredity pa
Conjunctives In Children
Conjunctivitis in children: Are your kids eyes pink?
This is a very common condition where the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid become infected which simply means that the whites of your child’s eyes can become pink or red. Top three most common causes of conjunctivitis in children A virus Bacteria The common cold What are the tell-tale signs your kids have conjuncti
Little Child Girl Putting Contact Lens Into Her Ey 2023 03 30 20 55 52 Utc
Contact Lenses for Children
It is now quite common for children of around 7 or 8 years old, or even younger, to start wearing contact lenses part-time giving them freedom from glasses.
Digital Eye Strain In Children
Digital eye strain in children
If you are a parent, you may be a little concerned about the length of time your children spend in front of a digital screen.
Colours
Does your child suffer from colour blindness?
Colour Vision Deficiency is when children are unable to view certain colours the way they look. How can you tell if your child is colour blind?
Young Kid Doing Eye Test
When can I take my child to an Optician - How old do they have to be?
The most important thing here is to note that your child does not have to be able to read or talk to have a sight test. Many methods qualify opticians.
Kid Having Eye Test Taken
Have your children had their eye tested recently?
Kids often cannot tell us if they have a problem with their vision so it's down to us as parents to make sure they have regular eye tests.
Load more

This website uses temporary cookies, persistent cookies, and third-party cookies to improve your experience.

Accept