Children's Vision Month

I t's a sobering – and somewhat unexpected – statistic: one in four school-age children has a vision problem. Just as alarming, both children and parents are often unaware of the problem. "What children see, they think of as normal," said Dr. Erin Loewen, chair of the Manitoba Optometrists Association's children's committee. "And while approximately 60 per cent of parents believe they'll be able to notice that their child has a vision problem, they won't, as problems aren't easily identifiable. That's why we're encouraging parents to bring kids in for regular eye exams." Those exams should start early in a child's life, said Loewen. "Doctors of Optometry recommend that a child have their first eye exam as an infant of six to nine months of age. After that, a child should have at least one eye exam between the ages of two and five, and then yearly after starting school. Yearly exams are required because vision changes can occur rapidly as children grow." Left undiagnosed, vision problems can in turn lead to learning problems that can hamper a child's ability to learn at school, she added. "In fact, one in six school-age children diagnosed with a learning disability actually has a correctable vision problem. An eye exam is the only way to ensure proper vision." There are several reasons why parents may not bring children in for regular eye exams – a lack of awareness about their importance, a busy schedule that leaves little time for visits to doctors' offices, or the perception that eye exams aren't covered by Manitoba Health – and are expensive. Loewen said there's no excuse for not bringing your child in to have their eyes tested. "That's why it's Children's Vision Month – we want to make parents aware of just how important it is to get their children's eyes tested on a regular basis. The truth of the matter is that an exam only takes 15 to 30 minutes to do, and that the exams are completely covered by Manitoba Health," she said. "It's just a matter of making the time to bring a child in for an exam. When parents do, they're often very surprised at the result." She added while it's impossible to know if a child's vision is developing properly until they've had a thorough eye examination, there are signs of potential vision problems that parents can watch for. "There are several symptoms you can look out for – holding objects too close, avoiding books and/or television, covering or closing one eye or tilting the head to look at things, irritability, short attention span or performing below potential," said Loewen. "Having trouble reading, including losing place or tracking words with a finger, omitting or confusing small words – or headaches, sensitivity to light, squinting, rubbing the eyes or excessive blinking are also possible signs of vision problems." If it turns out that a child does indeed need glasses, it's important that parents work with a child's optometrist to ensure an accurate prescription and glasses that suit them – in how they look, and fit. "It's important that a child like the style and colour of the frames they select when they get their first pair of glasses," she said. "A child will be more inclined to wear them every day when they're happy with how they look. Fit is also important, so the frame sizing and selection should be directed by an experienced fitter. If the glasses aren't comfortable, the child won't want to keep them on." Because a child hasn't worn glasses before, there's also likely to be an adjustment period. "Initially, a child may resist wearing their glasses because things look or feel a bit funny. With continued wear, those issues should resolve. If any problems continue past a week or two, you should report them to your optometrist." Loewen emphasized that it's critically important for parents to bring their children in for regular eye exams from infanthood on. "Since 80 per cent of learning is processed through a child's eyes, having good vision is crucial for them to perform well at school," she said. "A school-aged child's eyes are constantly in use in the classroom, and at play, so their eyes have to work properly so they can see and understand everything that they encounter clearly. Start eye exams early and continue them at regular recommended intervals, and chances are good they'll do well in school, and life." For more information on how Doctors of Optometry can play a key role in the health of your child, visit www.doctorsofoptometry.ca. Left undiagnosed, vision problems can in turn lead to learning problems that can hamper a child's ability to learn at school. 2 Children's Vision Month 2014 Supplement to the Winnipeg Free Press | Saturday, October 18 Saturday, Early eye care vital for kids By Todd Lewys For the Free Press Dr. Erin Loewen. - Photo by Darcy Finley

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