How to spot
poor eyesight
in children
They tend to close one eye during activities like reading or watching TV
They avoid activities that require near vision (reading, homework, computer use) or distance vision (sports, other recreational activities)
Their grades are lower than normal
They tell you that their eyes are tired or they have a headache
They rub their eyes a lot
They seem sensitive to light
Their eyes tear up for no apparent reason
They hold books unusually close to their face
They lose their place as they read
They use their finger to guide their eyes along the page
They sit very close to TVs or computer screens
They squint or tilt their head to see better
How to fight
poor eyesight
in children
Take them for regular eye exams and ensure they are wearing the right vision or prescription glasses. Start before preschool and schedule them for an exam every six months.
The correct pair of glasses has the ability to transform a child’s life. The first step is an eye test but providing a child with glasses will not only allow them to see better but also improve their quality of life.
Ensure they make the most of daylight and take part in outdoor activities for at least 2 to 2.5 hours a day, which will not only keep their eyes healthy, but also their body and mind.
Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can put a child’s eyesight at risk. It’s recommended to protect children’s eyes against UV rays by wearing sunglasses and lenses with filters to prevent overexposure to blue-violet light.
Encourage frequent breaks from screens, and make sure there is sufficient lighting in the room to prevent eye strain. Children should be taught good eyesight habits, such as the 20:20:20 rule in which every 20 minutes they take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away.
* According to the American Optometric Association (AOA)
** According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)