Children’s Eye Examinations

Being able to see clearly and comfortably is important for a child’s educational, physical and social development. Many children aren’t aware they have a vision problem and will generally try to adapt, without knowing they could see better.

Optometrists recommend children have a full eye examination before starting school and regularly as they progress through primary and secondary school. This is particularly important if there is a family history of eye or vision problems.

The most common vision problems affecting children are:

• Myopia (short-sightedness)
• Hyperopia (long-sightedness)
• Astigamtism (distorted vision)

A condition that affects about two percent of all children is called Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”. Early treatment of lazy eye is important as it is not possible to correct after about the age of ten.