Why are children’s eye exams important?

Eyesight is the most important of our senses and provides 80% of the information used for learning and education, as well as coordinating our movement in and around our surrounding environment. Children require good eyesight and good eye coordination so they can reach all their developmental and educational milestones.

Eye defects often make it difficult for children to achieve their full potential

We asked Dr. Lakkis to unpack everything we need know about children’s eye exams and explain why it is wise to add one to your back to school checklist.

When should you have your child’s eye examined?

Eye examinations can be performed on children at any age, from babies and infants up to adolescents and older teenagers. The type of examination performed depends on the signs and symptoms that the child is experiencing and is tailored to the age group of the child and the level of their development.

In babies and infants, the optometrist looks for issues such as blocked tear ducts that haven’t opened properly, congenital cataracts and childhood tumours that can form inside the eye ball, as well as crossed eyes and droopy eyelids that can cause the development of amblyopia (lazy eye).

Why is a comprehensive eye examination recommended for your back to school checklist?

Because 80% of learning comes through eyesight, it is important for the child’s vision and eye coordination to be optimised so there is no detrimental effect on learning and school performance. The ideal time to have the child examined is at the beginning of each school year to ensure that their visual development is proceeding normally, and for the optometrist to treat any underlying conditions that may impact learning. This is why it is critical to add an eye exam to your back to school checklist.

Children’s eyes continue to develop until the late teens and early 20’s, and sometimes large changes in vision can occur within a short space of time. Depending on the type of eye condition present, your optometrist will advise the best timing for the next eye exam as some children require more frequent visits during the school year.

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One down side of all this digital time is that increasingly, children are suffering from dry eyes related to ‘digital eye strain’ from the hours they spend staring at screens.

Symptoms of dry eye

Symptoms of dry eye include:

• a gritty feeling in the eye
• crusting on eyelids
• feeling like there’s something in your eye
• redness
• blurry vision and,
• light sensitivity.

Increased prevalence of digital eye strain and dry eyes in kids in Australia

Optometrist and Head of the University of Canberra’s Discipline of Optometry, Dr Nicola Anstice, is speaking up about the digital age and its impact on children’s vision at an optometry conference to alert optometrists to this trend.

“Australian children are presenting more commonly to optometrists with a range of visual problems related to screen use,” she said. “Evidence from studies indicates dry eye and digital eye strain is an issue in kids today and prevalence of dry eye in children is higher than ever. Dry eye is generally seen as an adult condition but practitioners should be looking for and treating digital eye strain in children and teaching them blink training to help combat digitally related dry eye problems. When looking at digital screens on phones, computers, iPads etc, we often don’t do a full blink and are more likely to do a partial blink than if reading hard copy material, resulting in reduced ocular surface lubrication.”

The type of screens used, viewing distances, how many hours a day they use digital devices and whether they multi-screen all have an impact and concurrent screen use is associated with a higher incidence of digital eye strain symptoms.

80% of children report digital eye strain

“About 80 per cent of children report digital eye strain when using digital devices,” Dr Anstice said.

This can cause eye strain and symptoms such as weakness or fatigue of the eye, pain in the eye, headaches, focusing problems and dry eye.

The 20-20-20 rule

Optometry Australia’s Luke Arundel refers to the 20-20-20 rule: “It’s important to take a 20 second break from screens every 20 minutes and look at an object at least 20 feet away (six metres, or just into the distance) for around 20 seconds.” We also share some simple strategies to minimise symptoms of digital eye strain, a condition that used to be commonly known as Computer Vision Syndrome.

Studies show that 80 per cent of teenagers may experience significant eye strain including tired, dry eyes after using digital devices for more than two hours straight. Other research found that 68 per cent of pre-schoolers aged three to five regularly use computers and over half participate in regular online activity. The average time eight to 18-year-olds use digital devices is 7.5 hours per day and even pre-schoolers use electronic screens for up to 2.5 hours a day.

Book your child in for an eye test

Concerned about dry eyes in kids? Be sure to take your child to see your nearest independent optometrist if they have any of these symptoms.

Learn more about common vision problems in school children and signs and symptoms of vision problems in kids to ensure any vision problems can be detected and managed early.

This article is based on a media release by Optometry Australia; the peak professional body for optometrists, representing 8 out of every 10 Australian-based optometrists.

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Getting help for your child could be as simple as booking them in for an eye test with your local optometrist.

Many of us don’t realise just how essential good vision is for classroom learning.  Vision is responsible for 80% of learning in a child’s first 12 years# – and yet remarkably some kids go through their entire primary school career without ever having had a comprehensive eye examination, beyond a basic Maternal Child Health Check.

Vision problems in kids = learning issues?

When a child begins to lose interest or play up in the classroom, it’s not always obvious that it could be their eyes. Taking your child to a regular eye test is the best way to rule out any issues that could affect their learning, and even their ability to play ball during recess.

Be aware of the signs

The next best thing after a thorough eye test with an optometrist is to look out for these symptoms of vision problems in kids – specifically your kids.

• Frequent blinking
• Red or watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Frequently rubbing eyes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Tilting head noticeably
• Covering or closing one eye
• Difficulty learning to read
• Holding a book very close when reading
• Leaving out confusing words when reading
• Squinting or sitting very close when watching television
• Difficulty recognising familiar people in the distance
• Complaints of headaches, blurred or double vision
• One eye turns in or out while the other points straight ahead

Don’t let your child become a statistic

It’s as easy as hitting the button below and booking your child in for a thorough full-scope eye test with your local independent optometrist to make sure their eyes are fit for learning. Our community of 450 independently-owned optometrists are passionate about looking after families and helping you see clearly over your life.

Find your nearest optometrist now

^Optometry Australia #Vision Council of America, Making the Grade, 2009

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Our visual environment has evolved rapidly in the past decade. In 2014, Australians spent an average of 10 hours and 24 minutes on devices every day^. Collectively, we looked at our smartphones more than 440 million times a day, and 75% of us regularly engaged in multi-tasking across multiple screens and devices^. Few aspects of modern life remain untouched by ‘the digital revolution’, and no age group is unaffected.

2 in 3 adults experience digital eye strain

Approximately 65% of digital users experience physical discomfort as a result of spending two or more hours in front of a digital screen^. So, chances are it could be affecting you, your family or your friends. Some of the symptoms of digital eye strain include:

• Eye strain and fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Neck/shoulder/back pain
• Dry, itchy, burning or red eyes

How can I protect my eyes?

New, innovative lens technology means you can protect your eyes from digital eye strain symptoms whether you wear prescription eyewear or not. Make sure you also check out our tips for reducing the strain, which you can implement immediately.

Assessing your digital vision needs is part of the 360˚ comprehensive eye consultation our optometrists offer. This is a natural extension of their commitment to helping you enjoy a lifetime of healthy sight and comfortable vision. Ask our optometrists about new digital eyewear to relax and protect your eyes from digital devices.

Find your nearest optometrist now

^Ernst & Young (2016). Digital Australia. Sydney, NSW. ^Deloitte (2015). Mobile Consumer Survey – The Australian Cut. Sydney, NSW. ^Eyes Overexposed: The Digital Device Dilemma, 2016 Digital Eye Strain Report, The Vision Council, US

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Provided that the child is taught the correct way to insert, remove and care for their contact lenses they are unlikely to experience problems or complications.

Benefits of contact lenses for kids and teenagers

• Taking part in sports and other recreational activities without the worry and inconvenience of glasses
• Contacts are less vulnerable to being lost or broken
• They don’t interfere with the peripheral or side vision of the wearer
• Ideal for children who don’t want to stand out from the crowd because of their eyewear

Teenagers and self-image

As kids turn into teens, they tend to become a lot more conscious of their self-image and what their peers think. For some, wearing glasses can feel awkward particularly if they don’t feel like they fit their image or if they play a lot of sport.

Today’s contact lens technologies open up a world of possibilities and we’re no longer tied down to glasses as the only vision correction option. Provided the child is deemed ready for the responsibility it can be a great solution for the self-conscious teen.

Is my child eligible for contact lenses?

Give your child the opportunity to see the world glasses-free. Book a contact lens consultation with one of our expert optometrists for a thorough assessment of their eyes and contact lens options.

Find your nearest optometrist now

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Finding the best fit

Let’s break down some of the key things to think about when buying glasses for your child:

Style

If children like the look of their glasses, they’re more likely to want to wear them. Luckily, these days there are plenty of options to choose from. Designs are colourful, creative and quirky so that children can have fun expressing their gorgeous personalities. For the mini-me’s out there, there are many frames that are inspired by adult designs too!

Fit

While kids tend to prioritise colour and design over comfort, it’s important to realise that children’s faces are different from adults – they have smaller noses, and a shorter distance from the front of the face to the ear. A frame with a built-up nose bridge is important so that the lenses sit correctly to cover the entire eye.

Material

Children’s frames are commonly made of either plastic or metal. Plastic has been a popular choice due to its durability, lighter weight and lower likelihood to bend out of shape. However plastic frames can be trickier to fit due to moulded nose bridges and solid temples. Metal frames offer the benefit of adjustable nose pads and temples making it easier to shape to any child.

Polycarbonate lenses are most commonly recommended for children’s glasses due to their high impact-resistance (win!), lightweight qualities and UV protection.

Durability

Is your child hard on their glasses? Fortunately, many designs now incorporate spring hinges, allowing the temples to flex outward without damaging the frames. For even more durability, think about tough, flexible materials such as stainless steel and titanium.

Ask one of our optometrists about their kids’ eyewear collections, and be sure to book your child in with an eye test before they start school.

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Colour is the perception that allows humans to tell two objects apart, when attributes like shape, size, and texture are the same. We single out humans because unlike many animals, our complex visual system gives us the ability to experience the gift of colour in all its wonder.

How do we see the world in colour?

Our retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) is filled with two kinds of special cells, rods and cones. Rods control our night vision and allow us see in black and white. Cones, on the other hand, operate our day-time and colour vision.

There are three types of colour-sensitive cones in the eye that help us detect red, blue and green. As light enters the eye at different wavelengths, it hits colour-sensitive cones which then respond according to the intensity of the wavelengths. The combinations of these three responses allow us to experience the full spectrum of colours (like when we mix primary colours to create different shades of paint).

What is colour blindness?

Colour blindness or deficiency is what occurs when the colour-sensitive cones in the eye don’t work as they should, affecting one’s ability to distinguish between shades of colour. Roughly 10% of men and a smaller percentage of women live with red/green deficiency causing them to perceive particular shades of red, green and yellow as varying degrees of grey. Many other colours like blue and purple will appear as normal. Despite its name, colour blindness in its absolute form (the complete inability to see colour) is extremely rare.

While problems with colour vision can make everyday tasks like choosing an outfit and reading traffic signals difficult, they can be overcome by finding new ways to differentiate between colours.

Although there is no known cure for inherited colour vision problems, tinted lenses and glare protection can increase the contrast between colours to help people see subtle differences more clearly.

Kids and colour blindness

Knowing that children with vision problems often aren’t aware that they see the world differently, it’s important to have their eyes tested before they start school. Colour vision plays an important role in learning, so checking for colour deficiencies in your children by booking them in for a comprehensive eye examination is essential.

Get tested today

Our optometrists are passionate about helping you see the world more clearly. Find your nearest optometrist via the button below to book yourself in for a thorough 360° eye consultation.

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Sunscreen for your eyes

Research by the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation found that your eyes are 10 times more sensitive to UV than your skin.^ That’s why sunglasses are so much more than a fashion accessory. They’re essential in protecting our eyes from glare and damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays in the same way that sunscreen protects our skin. While the sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, too much exposure of UV radiation can contribute to eye conditions and diseases including cataracts, ptergium, and cancer of the skin around the eye.

Rain, hail or shine – UV eye protection is always eeded

Have you been thinking of sunglasses as a summer accessory? Think again. Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world, which means UV rays and dangerous glare can be just as harmful to your eyes through the cooler months of the year. That’s why year-round protection is essential to maintaining good eye health. Dangerous UV rays can hit your eyes as they reflect off wet surfaces, roads, pavements and snow.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, look out for wrap-around sunglasses with glare minimising polarisation that sit closer to your face, for maximum protection. Your local expert optometrist can advise you about the right pair depending on your lifestyle.

Kids & teens are most at risk

Did you know that children are more sensitive to UV than adults? We receive 80% of our lifetime’s exposure to UV before our 18th birthday, so developing good eyewear protection habits from a young age is vital. While the need to protect our skin from UV has been ingrained in us with the Slip Slop Slap campaign, research shows that only 32% of Australian children are protecting their eyes from harmful UV, as compared with 57% of Australian parents^.

Eyewear protection for the whole family

The good news is that the advanced eyewear technologies available to us today offer better protection than ever before. This includes polarised sunglasses for reduced glare and visual discomfort and the convenience of prescription sunglasses.

Our optometrists have access to the best products in UV eye protection from around the world. Speak to your local optometrist about the most appropriate UV protection options for you and your family.

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^World Health Organisation, Fact sheet No. 261, July 2001 ^‘Global Solar UV Index: Australian measurements, forecasts and comparison with the UK.’ Gies, Roy, Javorniczky, Henderson, Lemus-Deschamps and Driscoll, Photochem Photobiol, 2004. ^The Skin Cancer Foundation, Australia ^Childhood sun exposure as a risk factor for melanoma: a systematic review of epidemiologic studies. ^Whiteman, Whiteman and Green, Cancer Causes Control, 2001. ^‘Evaluation of the performance of photochromic spectacle lenses in children and adolescents aged 10 to 15 years’ – Lakkis and Weidemann, Clinical and Experimental Optometry, July 2006.

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Long sightedness

If you’re noticing your child struggling to see things up close, or experiencing tired eyes and poor concentration among other symptoms, long sightedness could be the culprit. Long sightedness is one of the most common vision problems found in kids and is also known as Hyperopia. It occurs when the length of the eyeball is shorter than normal, causing the light coming into the eye to focus behind instead of directly on the the retina causing near vision to appear blurry.

Short sightedness

Short sightedness or myopia, is what happens when the eyeball is longer than normal and affects one’s ability to see objects in the distance. If you notice your child constantly sitting up close to the television or whiteboard, or squinting to see things in the distance, short sightedness might be at play.

Prevention: More time outdoors!
Recent research shows that spending more time outdoors can help to regulate short sighted eyes that are growing too fast (resulting in longer than usual eyeballs), by the release of retinal dopamine. Lead researcher on the project Associate Professor Scott Read encourages kids to spend a minimum of two hours a day outdoors to help slow down the progress of myopia, or help to prevent it altogether.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is what happens when the cornea (the layer of tissue covering the front of the eyes) is shaped oblong like a football instead of round like a basketball, causing light to focus on two points in the eye instead of one. Mild astigmatism is commonly found in young children and usually resolves itself as they get older. Like other vision problems, astigmatism can often go unnoticed in school children as its slow progression makes it difficult to diagnose.

If your child is having trouble reading words in the distance or is experiencing poor concentration levels, blurry vision, headaches and squinting to achieve a clearer image these may be signs of astigmatism at play.

Lazy eye & binocular vision problems

When the brain doesn’t receive the same visual information from both eyes, it can effectively ‘switch off’ or ignore the image in one eye in order to obtain a clear picture and avoid confusion. This is commonly known as lazy eye, and is a main cause of binocular vision problems.

Binocular vision problems occur when both eyes cannot maintain focus on one point simultaneously to create a single image. This causes problems with depth perception and makes it difficult to judge distances effectively. A child with binocular vision problems will likely experience learning difficulties, which can have a broader impact on their development, confidence and wellbeing.

Early detection is vital

When it comes to kids vision problems, early diagnosis and treatment provide the best chance of overcoming any long term vision deficiencies. It’s also important to realise that a simple school screening may not detect some of the more complex vision problems described here.

That’s why we urge you to book your child in with one of our experienced optometrists for a comprehensive eye examination before they start school. It could be the most important exam they will ever take.

Find your nearest optometrist now

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We’ve pulled together a quick summary to make it easy for you to distinguish between the two conditions.

Long sightedness (Hyperopia)

As the name suggests, long sightedness means your long-vision (ability to see things in the distance) is uncompromised, while your near-vision (ability to see things up close) is blurry. While many of us are a little bit of long-sightedness without even realising it, only significant long-sightedness will cause blurry vision, headaches and tired, achy eyes.

Why is my near-vision blurry?
When the light coming into our eyes focuses behind, instead of exactly on the retina, images in our near-vision appear blurry. Prescription eyewear are available in most prescriptions to help bring your near-vision into focus.

Short sightedness (Myopia)

Short sightedness is the exact opposite of long sightedness and means your near-vision (ability to see things up close) is clear, while your long-vision (ability to see things in the distance) is blurry. Affecting approximately 15% of people in Australia, short-sightedness develops in early childhood and can cause vision to change through the teenage years, making regular eye tests essential.

Why is my distance-vision blurry?
When the light entering our eyes focuses in front of, instead of exactly on the retina, our distance-vision becomes blurry. This can make identifying words on distant street signs and whiteboards difficult, particularly in low light. The good news is that there are many prescription eyewear options at your disposal to bring objects in the distance back into focus.

See the world more clearly

Helping you see the world more clearly is our optometrists’ raison d’être.

Today’s lens technologies make it possible for us to live life to the fullest in spite of long sightedness and short sightedness. There are a multitude of eyewear options at our fingertips – from glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses too – that can be tailored to your lifestyle needs. Speak to one of our optometrists to book a 360° eye consultation and explore the best solution for your life.

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