Guest Blog from North Leeds Mumbler and Naru Opticians (based in North Leeds)
Did you know that there are an estimated 1 million children with an undiagnosed vision problem?
Good eyesight is crucial in making sure a child develops to their full potential both at school and socially. It’s especially important to look after children’s eyes – the eye is still developing throughout early childhood so if problems are treated early, it can make a lasting difference. Yet research shows that around 20% of school-aged children have an undiagnosed vision problem. It’s never too early to have a sight test, visiting an optometrist will mean you can spot and manage vision problems that may affect your child’s development.
How do I know if my child has an eye problem?
Some eye conditions do not display any signs or symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to take your child for a sight test. Signs which may show there is a problem with a child’s sight include:
• An eye appearing to drift inwards or outwards
• Difficulty concentrating
• Behavioural problems
• Headaches
• Sitting too close to the television
• Frequent eye rubbing
Symptoms of a vision problem
This could mean your child needs glasses or that they have an eye that is healthy but does not see as well, otherwise known as a ‘lazy eye’. The condition can run in the family, so if a relative has either an eye turn (squint) or suffers from reduced vision in one or both eyes (amblyopia), it’s a good idea to take any related children for a sight test.
What is vision screening?
Some children have their vision screened at school – this is usually a basic test, designed to pick up children who have reduced vision in one or both eyes. If a problem is suspected, children will usually be referred to an optometrist for a full sight test. Parents may assume that their child has been screened at school but this does not happen in all areas of the country. Even where this does happen, it is not usually until the age of four or five, so we recommend that all children visit their optometrist for a sight test around the age of three.
What is a sight test?
A sight test is a comprehensive check which can pick up many other conditions, including colour vision defects, problems with the development of 3D vision and any need for glasses.
When should my child visit the optometrist?
Although the UK National Screening Committee recommends screening at age 4-5 years, there are many optometrists who will see children much younger than this for a sight test. We recommend that children have a sight test around the age of three so that conditions are picked up and treated early. After the first test it is a good idea to return every two years, or as recommended by your optometrist.
Paying for a sight test
Children under the age of 16 are entitled to NHS-funded sight tests (covering the cost of a sight test), plus an optical voucher which entitles you help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if required. Contact lenses are suited to all ages and even young children are able to wear, handle and look after their lenses.
What else can I do to look after my child’s eyes?
• Get them outdoors – regular play and exercise can help with eye health. Studies show two hours of outdoor activity a day is ideal for healthy eyes
• Make sure they eat healthily and drink enough fluids
• Protect their eyes from the sun – never let them look directly into the sun and make sure they always wear good-quality sunglasses with the ‘CE’ quality mark and the British Standard BS EN 1836:2005
Thanks so much to guest blogger North Leeds Mumbler and Naru Opticians. If you have family or friends in Leeds then be sure to let them know about the North Leeds Mumbler website and about Naru Opticians, which was specifically set up with children in mind, with a dedicated children’s waiting area with books and colouring activities, and a large selection of kids frames to suit all.
