•Dr Priscilia Imade
This month of August presents a timely opportunity to focus our attention on an often overlooked but important aspect of children’s health-vision care.
As children across Nigeria and around the world are on holiday before returning to school, their ability to see clearly and comfortably can significantly impact their learning, behavior and quality of life. Yet, many parents, teachers and caregivers remain unaware of the silent challenges that vision problems can pose in a child’s life.
IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN EYECARE
Children rely heavily on their visual system for virtually every aspect of development like reading, writing, playing, social interaction and exploring the world around them. According to global health statistics, approximately 80 percent of learning in school occurs through the visual system. This makes clear vision not just a matter of health, but a cornerstone of a child’s education and development.
Unfortunately, many children live with undiagnosed or untreated vision problems. Conditions such as uncorrected refractive errors (short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism), amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and even eye allergies can hinder a child’s learning, cause frustration in the classroom, and contribute to behavioral problems.
These issues are often misinterpreted as laziness, attention-deficit disorders, or poor academic performance.
COMMON SIGNS OF VISION PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN
Early identification is crucial. Parents, teachers, and caregivers should be alert to signs such as:
• Squinting or sitting too close to the television
• Holding books very close or avoiding reading
• Complaints of headaches, eye pain, or double vision
• Excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes
• Poor hand-eye coordination or frequent tripping
• Difficulty concentrating or avoiding tasks that require visual focus
Because children may not realise that their vision is impaired, they often do not complain. They assume that everyone sees the world as they do. This makes regular eye examinations essential, especially before a child begins formal education and throughout their school years.
RECOMMENDED VISION CARE PRACTICES FOR CHILDREN
1. Comprehensive Eye Examinations:
Children should receive their first eye examination at six months of age, another at age three, and again before starting school. Thereafter, eye checks should be done at least once every year or as recommended by an eye care professional.
2. Screen Time Moderation:
In today’s digital age, even young children are exposed to screens. Excessive screen time can contribute to digital eye strain, dry eyes, and even early onset of short-sightedness (myopia). Encourage regular breaks (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds), proper lighting, and limited device use especially at night.
3. Outdoor Play and Natural Light:
Research has shown that children who spend more time playing outdoors in natural light are less likely to develop myopia. Encourage at least one to two hours of outdoor play daily. Natural sunlight helps in the healthy development of the eyes.
4. Proper Nutrition:
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables (especially leafy greens), omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and E can promote healthy vision. Carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, and spinach are especially good for the eyes.
5. Eye Safety Practices:
Protect children from eye injuries by using protective eyewear during sports, keeping sharp objects out of reach, and educating them about eye safety during play.
6. Timely Correction of Refractive Errors:
If a child needs glasses, ensure that the prescription is up-to-date and that they wear them consistently. Neglecting this can lead to worsening vision or the development of amblyopia, which can become irreversible after a certain age.
THE ROLE OF PARENTS, TEACHERS AND POLICY MAKERS
Creating a vision-friendly environment requires a coordinated effort. Parents should prioritise annual vision screenings. Teachers should receive basic training to detect signs of vision issues in the classroom.
Schools should incorporate routine eye checks into their health programmes. Policymakers should support nationwide school-based vision screening initiatives and subsidise access to corrective lenses for children in need.
In urban and rural areas alike, eye health education should be integrated into maternal and child health services. Community health workers should be trained to perform basic eye assessments and refer appropriately.
Finally, healthy vision is not a luxury, it is a right. When we protect and prioritise children’s vision, we are investing in their future. We are ensuring that no child is left behind in the classroom, on the playground, or in life because they could not see clearly.
This August, let us raise our voices, strengthen our efforts, and reaffirm our commitment to children’s vision care. Let it be known that protecting children’s sight is not just the work of optometrists, it is a shared responsibility of every parent, teacher, leader, and society as a whole.
This is because when children see clearly, they learn better, grow stronger, and dream bigger.
Book an eye examination for your children this August before the resumption of school in September.
*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.
