Taking care of your child’s eyes is essential for their overall development. Good vision is key to learning, socialising and exploring the world. This is Especially true during their formative years when so much of your child’s development is based on their ability to see properly. That’s why regular eye check-ups at an optician are so important, even if your child doesn’t seem to be struggling.
The Importance of Eye Exams for Children
Children’s eyes grow and change quickly. If a vision issue goes undetected, it can affect their ability to focus in school, play sports or even their confidence. Early detection helps prevent problems from getting worse and ensures your child has the best chance to thrive. An eye exam with our optometrist means we can spot any issues early and recommend the right steps, whether it’s glasses, exercises, or just keeping an eye on their progress. We recommended all children have an eye examination before starting school.
Common Eye Conditions in Children
Some common eye conditions in children include:
- short-sightedness (myopia), trouble seeing far-away objects clearly
- long-sightedness (hyperopia), difficulty focusing on close objects
- astigmatism, blurry vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea
- amblyopia (lazy eye), where one eye doesn’t develop proper vision, and the brain favours the other
- strabismus (crossed eyes), misalignment of the eyes that can affect depth perception.
Early Signs to Look Out for
If you spot your child squinting, rubbing their eyes frequently, or sitting too close to the TV they may have vision problems and need a check-up.
Other signs include complaints of headaches or tired eyes, difficulty reading or trouble following in class. If you notice any of these signs, arrange a visit to the optician to help keep your child’s eyes healthy. Regular check-ups ensure they’re seeing clearly and feeling confident.
Eyewear and Contact Lenses
We offer contact lenses for children as young as 9, including specialist myopia control lenses. In our experience, kids quickly adapt to using contacts and many prefer them to glasses. For those who prefer to wear glasses, we stock a wide range of frames designed especially for children from designers such as Loops, Whiz Kids, Rock Star, Nano, Nike, and Ray-Ban. These are also available with myopia control lenses.
Book an Appointment
If you’ve noticed any signs of vision problems, or if it’s been more than a year since their last eye exam, contact us to book an appointment. Our friendly team will make them feel comfortable and confident throughout.
