Children's eyes
Children use their eyes to discover the world, play, and learn. Yet, many vision problems in young ones go unnoticed: according to the Commissione Difesa Vista (Vision Defense Commission), 1 in 2 children has never been examined by an ophthalmologist. This is why prevention is important from an early age.
Signs not to underestimate
Children often don't realize they have poor vision: they simply adapt. This is why parents and teachers should look out for these signs:
- squinting to focus
- sitting very close to the TV, tablet, or book
- getting tired quickly while reading or doing homework
- frequent headaches, especially after school
- tilting the head to the side when looking at something
- losing their place while reading or having trouble copying from the blackboard
- one eye seeming to "wander"
If you notice one or more of these signs, take the child for an eye exam. A deviating eye should be examined as soon as possible.
Most common vision problems in children
- Myopia: difficulty seeing at a distance, increasingly common among children. Today, there are even lenses that slow down its progression.
- Hyperopia: the eye has to work harder to focus, especially up close. Children often compensate for it without realizing, but it can cause fatigue and headaches during reading.
- Astigmatism: less sharp or distorted vision, both up close and at a distance.
- Amblyopia (lazy eye): one eye sees less than the other. It is treated better the earlier it is detected.
- Strabismus: one or both eyes deviate; it is often linked to amblyopia.
Good habits for their eyes
- Time outdoors: playing outside every day is good for you, even for your eyesight.
- Screen breaks: tablets and smartphones should be used in moderation, taking frequent breaks.
- Good lighting: a well-lit desk is needed for reading and doing homework.
- Sunglasses: children's eyes are more sensitive to UV rays. Choose children's sunglasses with real UV protection.
Our role
After the doctor's eye exam, we can help you in our store to choose comfortable, durable glasses suitable for the child's age, and we provide periodic eye checks to ensure the correction is always accurate. If the child struggles to read or concentrate even with the right glasses, an optometric check-up may be useful.
Source: Commissione Difesa Vista, 2018.