•Dr Priscilia Imade
As children enjoy their holidays, many parents are focused on buying new clothes, school supplies, and preparing for the next academic session. However, one important aspect of a child’s health that is often overlooked is eye care.
Good vision plays a vital role in a child’s learning, development and overall quality of life. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of what children learn in school is acquired through their sense of sight.
Unfortunately, many children with vision problems do not complain because they may not realise that their vision is abnormal.
CHILDREN NEED COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMINATION
A comprehensive eye examination is more than simply checking whether a child can read letters on a chart. It assesses the health of the eyes, visual skills, eye coordination, focusing ability, and the presence of eye diseases or refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism.
WARNING SIGNS
Parents should be aware of warning signs that may indicate a vision problem. These include squinting, sitting too close to the television, frequent headaches, excessive eye rubbing, poor concentration, difficulty reading, holding books too close to the face, and declining academic performance.
In some cases, a child may develop a turned eye, commonly known as a squint.
The long holiday period often means increased screen time. Many children spend several hours daily on smartphones, tablets, computers, televisions, and video games.
Excessive screen use can contribute to digital eye strain, causing symptoms such as tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and discomfort. Regular eye examinations can help detect and address these issues before they become significant problems.
PARENTS MISCONCEPTION
One common misconception among parents is that a child only needs an eye examination when there is a complaint. In reality, many childhood eye conditions develop silently. Early detection through routine eye examinations can prevent long-term visual impairment and improve treatment outcomes.
PARENTS SHOULD DO THIS
The holiday season provides an excellent opportunity for parents to schedule eye examinations for their children. Without the pressure of school activities, appointments can be conveniently arranged, and any necessary treatment can begin before the new school term starts.
Parents should remember that investing in a child’s vision is an investment in the child’s future. Clear vision supports academic success, boosts confidence, enhances participation in sports and social activities, and contributes to healthy development.
This holiday, while preparing your child for the next school session, do not forget to include an eye examination on your checklist. A simple eye check today could make a lifetime of difference tomorrow.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
