Stephen J Manton B.Sc.(Hons.), F.C.Optom.

CHILDRENS EYESIGHT - EARLY EXAMINATION

About 10% of children have defects of their eyes such as "squints" and "lazy eye".  3% of children have "crossed eyes". This is can sometimes be noticed between the ages of 2 and 3 and is first apparent when the child is tired or ill. The two main components of normal vision are good eyesight and the ability to use the two eyes together (binocular vision). Nature has provided the first 6 years or so of life for learning these two skills. After the age of 6 it is no longer possible for a child to pick them up. Any interference with this learning process because one or both of your child's eyes are faulty can seriously and permanently impair the development of normal vision.

It is therefore vital to correct eye problems as early as possible. It is generally recommended that your child is examined before school age initially (the ability to read is not necessary). Thereafter it would be wise to re-examine regularly, say every year throughout their school life, so that any developmental defects can be detected at an early stage. Often the child's inability to focus their eyes clearly and comfortably may be a contributory factor in slow progress at school. Learning to read and write involves a barrage of unfamiliar information for children, and if you or your child's teacher suspect that there may be a "learning problem" then the first thing to check is your child's eyes.

If it is found that your child has a "squint" or a "lazy eye" then he/she may be referred to your doctor with a recommendation that the child be examined by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). If your child requires spectacles, you will be advised that regular examinations (probably every 6 months) are necessary so that progress can be assessed and any need for adjustment to the prescription or frame can be carried out.

Early correction means a child can look forward to a life of normal vision. However, if correction is not undertaken at this early age then the child may grow up to have a permanent "lazy eye" or "squint" as an adult with no binocular vision or under developed visual acuity in one eye.

The examination at the age of 5 is therefore perhaps the most important visit to an optometrist anyone can make.