Why Parents Should Pay Attention to Their Children's Eye Health

Some children may have vision problems without knowing it, according to an eye-care expert. Parents should make early eye checks a priority.

Tomisin Ayodele, a Dispensing Optician at Eyekon Innovation Optics Lab, explained that some kids are born with vision issues, while others develop them as they grow.

Ms Ayodele mentioned issues like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. She added that some kids might have different vision strengths in each eye.

"The important thing is to find out what is causing the problem rather than assuming every child who wears glasses has the same condition," Ms Ayodele said.

Understanding Glasses for Kids

Ms Ayodele clarified that wearing glasses does not mean a child has a serious eye issue. Glasses usually help correct how a child's eyes focus light, allowing them to see clearly.

"What matters is finding the problem early and making sure the child gets the right prescription," she said.

She noted that children with parents or close family members who wear glasses may also develop similar vision issues, but this is not always the case.

"A child can need glasses even when nobody in the family wears them, and a child can also have perfectly good vision despite having parents who wear glasses," she said.

Signs of Vision Problems in Children

Ms Ayodele pointed out that some signs of vision problems in children can be easy to spot.

Parents should look for signs like squinting, sitting too close to the TV, or holding books and phones too close to their faces. Rubbing the eyes often and complaining of headaches are also red flags.

Children may have trouble copying what is written on the board, make strange mistakes while reading, or avoid activities because they cannot see well.

"One thing parents should remember is that children may not complain because they think the way they see is normal," Ms Ayodele said.

She advised parents not to wait for a child to complain before getting their eyes checked.

Importance of Early Eye Checks

Ms Ayodele emphasized that finding and fixing vision problems early is crucial while a child's visual system is still developing.

"If a child needs glasses, giving them the correct prescription early can help them see properly while their visual system is still developing," she said.

This is especially true when one eye is much stronger than the other. If left untreated, it could affect how the weaker eye grows.

"So, glasses are not just about making things look clearer; in some children, they are part of helping the eyes develop normally," she said.

Common Eye Conditions

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) identifies uncorrected refractive errors as the most common reason for vision problems. These can often be fixed with glasses or contact lenses.

The IAPB also mentions that untreated refractive errors, especially long-sightedness, can lead to poor school performance. Short-sightedness can also impact academic success.

Refractive errors happen when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, resulting in blurry vision.

Another issue is amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye. The IAPB states that this can develop if the visual system does not get a clear image during childhood.

In 2024, the Nigerian Optometric Association, Lagos State Chapter, called for mandatory eye exams for children from preschool age. They highlighted the importance of good eyesight for learning, growth, and social skills.

Do Screens Cause Vision Problems?

Ms Ayodele explained that looking at phones or watching TV does not directly lead to children needing glasses.

But spending long hours on close-up activities, especially with little outdoor time, can worsen short-sightedness in kids.

She added that screens may also cause temporary issues like tired eyes, dryness, and headaches.

Instead of banning screens altogether, Ms Ayodele suggested parents encourage breaks, keep screens at a safe distance, and ensure kids spend enough time outdoors.