- By Iram Hussain
- Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Warning Signs Of Vision Problems In Children: As a parent, ensuring your child's overall health and well-being is a top priority. Vision plays a critical role in a child's development, learning and daily life. However, vision problems can be subtle and may not always be immediately apparent. Recognising the warning signs of vision problems in children is crucial for early detection and treatment. As the children are growing, there are different problems in vision to look out for in different age groups.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS, Ophthalmologist, and Eye Surgeon, Viaan Eye and Retina Centre listed some warning signs of vision problems in children that parents should not ignore.
Warning Signs Of Vision Problems In Children
In the first few years of life, vision develops rapidly. It is important to Watch out for these signs, redness or discharge in the eyes, squinting or rubbing eyes, Inability to track moving objects, white or greyish colour in the pupil and eyes that don't align in infants and toddlers age group.
As children enter preschool, vision problems can impact learning and development. Be aware of Difficulty in recognizing shapes or colours, Avoid activities which require near vision, Squinting or tilting your head to see objects and watching television from close proximity.
In school, vision problems can affect academic performance and daily life. It is imperative to look out for difficulty in reading or completing assignments, frequent eye rubbing or squinting, headaches or eye fatigue, difficulty in seeing the board or distant objects and difficulty with hand-eye coordination
Additional Signs to watch out for in all ages would be Droopy eyelids, Sensitivity to light abnormal eye movements (nystagmus) and double vision or blurred vision.
The Importance Of Regular Eye Checkups
That is why it is crucial to pay attention to the eyes even if there are no symptoms suggesting that something is wrong with the eyes and have regular examinations. According to the American Optometric Association, children should undergo an eye examination for the first time at the age of six months, the second time at the age of three years and before joining the school, and then after that should have an examination every two years until advised otherwise by an eye specialist. Vision in children is important in the learning, development and well-being of the child. By being aware and looking for the first signs that there could be an eye health problem and taking the child to a reputable eye doctor, parents are assured that their child’s vision is safe and healthy and is most likely to remain so in the coming years.
Regular eye exams are essential for detecting vision problems. Schedule an exam:
• For infants: at 6 to 12 months
• For preschool children at 3 to 5 years old
• Regular eye screening annually for school-going children
Sometimes, people do not pay much attention to the eyes of the child but this care is highly critical since it affects the child’s growth and well-being. They should therefore look out for symptoms such as eye scrunching, sitting very close to the screen and eye rubbing all of which are signs that the child may need an eye doctor. To be on the safe side, parents are supposed to take their children for eye checkups often and being observant can help their children have a clear and healthy vision for the rest of their lives.
