A child’s growth depends heavily on their ability to see, as it has an impact on everything from social interactions to academic achievement. Many parents might not be aware, though, that children can develop a variety of eye impairments that might interfere with their everyday activities and ability to learn.
It’s important for parents, caregivers, and educators to be aware of common visual issues that can impact children’s learning and development as youngsters get ready for another year of academic progress and exploration. Having good eye health should be a priority because vision is essential for academic performance. Having children’s eyes examined at the beginning of the school year is a smart idea.
Dr. Vivian Hill, from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, outlines the common vision disorders among children:
Strabismus
This is a condition where the focus of one or both eyes is off when looking at an object. The eye can turn inwards or outwards, up or down, and is usually the result of weak eye-muscle coordination.
Amblyopia
Often referred to as “lazy eye,” this condition impairs vision in one or both eyes as a result of inadequate visual stimulation of the visual pathways. Strabismus, refractive problems, and visual deprivation (such as cataracts, drooping eyelids, etc.) can all lead to amblyopia.
Refractive errors
It is a condition where the retina’s ability to focus an image is hindered by the shape of the eye, resulting in hazy vision at close and distant distances. Among the varieties of refractive errors are:
- Myopia (distance images are blurry)
- Hyperopia (close-up images are blurry)
- Astigmatism (blurry and stretched-out images)
- Anisometropia (difference in refraction between the two eyes)
Recognizing the signs of these common vision impairments is the first step toward ensuring children receive the required care and support for healthy visual development. Even in cases where a kid does not exhibit overt symptoms of visual impairment, routine examinations of the eyes by an optometrist or ophthalmologist are crucial. Parents can help their children flourish intellectually and socially with a clear, comfortable vision by addressing these challenges at an early age.
Learn more about how to protect your children’s eyes at: https://newscanada.com/en/Understanding-3-common-vision-disorders-in-children-139339
Reference: https://newscanada.com
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