HealthLink BC File #53b, August 2007

Elementary School Age Children and Their Eyes

• Should my child have a vision test?
• Vision Problems and Symptoms in Children
• Eye Safety for Children
• Sunglasses and Protection
• Could my child be colour blind?

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This HealthLink BC File will help you to identify common vision problems in elementary school age children. Children's vision continues to develop until about 8 years of age. After that, eyesight development is complete and cannot be corrected easily.

Many children do not know that they have a vision problem. Changes in a child's vision happen very slowly. A child may think that everyone else sees the same way, especially if a child develops nearsightedness (myopia) and faraway objects appear blurry.

Some problems can end in permanent vision damage if not corrected early. These include:

Vision problems often have a family history. If you know of vision or eye problems in your family, your child's eyes should be examined by an eye doctor.

Your child should see a family doctor or eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.

• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Red, itchy or watery eyes
• Squinting, rubbing the eyes, or excessive blinking
• Covering or closing one eye
• Holding objects too close
• Reading items or watching television very closely
• Avoiding activities needing distance vision
• Poor performance in school
• Lack of coordination or clumsiness in physical activities
  

You can prevent eye injuries and increase eye safety for children.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause eye damage, as well as harm your skin. Sunglasses are recommended for children and adults. To protect eyes, sunglasses should:

• Have large lenses and a wraparound design, fully covering the eyes;
• Fit well or snugly;
• Be comfortable for the child;
• Have labels with 99-100 per cent UVA and UVB protection; and
• Come off easily if any cords or strings are attached and pulled roughly.
  

If your child wears corrective lenses or glasses, check these for UV protection.

Hats may provide better sun protection. Hats that shade the face and eyes can be easier for children to keep on than sunglasses. Hats should be worn by children when playing in the sun to prevent sunburn and any harm to their vision.

Some children, mostly boys, have trouble seeing certain colours. They can see colours, but they have some trouble identifying some colours. Some colours can look the same and be harder to tell apart, such as the difference between grey and purple.

Your child can have a simple colour vision test by an eye doctor to check for concerns. Knowing this can help you understand and deal with difficulties your child may be having in learning situations that involve colours.

For More Information

For more information about vision screening in your health authority please contact your local public health unit.

To find an optometrist in your area, contact the BC Association of Optometrists at 604-737-9907, or toll-free 1-888-393-2226, or visit www.optometrists.bc.ca.

For more information about ultraviolet radiation and eyesight, see HealthLink BC File #11 Ultraviolet Light. See also HealthLink BC File #53a Young Children and Their Eyes.

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