HealthLink BC File #53b, September 2011

Elementary School Age Children and Their Vision

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

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Children's vision continues to develop until about 8 years of age. After that age, eyesight development is complete and it can not be corrected easily.

Should my child have a vision test?

Children may 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 result in permanent vision damage if these are not corrected early:

• Crossed eyes (strabismus) or the eye muscles point one or both eyes in the wrong direction.
• Lazy eye (amblyopia) or the vision in one eye is weaker than the other eye. The child's brain ignores the weak eye and uses the strong eye to see. If untreated, the child's brain develops a clear picture in the good eye and a blurry picture in the weak eye. This can result in permanent problems that can not be treated.

Vision problems often have a family history. If you know of vision problems in your family, your child's eyes should be examined by an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist), especially if you notice any concerns.

Vision Problems and Symptoms

Your child should see your 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 or rubbing the eyes
• 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
  

Eye Safety for Children

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

• Teach children to play safely with toys and games.
• Take rest breaks to avoid eye strain while performing close up activities, such as using a computer, playing video games, or watching television. These activities can decrease the natural blink reflex and cause irritated, red, or dry eyes.
• Provide an area for homework with even lighting and free from glare or reflections. Children should take regular breaks to rest their eyes when reading.
• Teach children not to walk or run while carrying sharp objects. Objects, such as pencils, keys, umbrellas, scissors, lollipop sticks, uncooked spaghetti, drinking straws, or pieces of wire, can cause an eye injury.
• Teach children to sit at least 3 metres (8 to 10 feet) away from the television screen. Make television viewing easier with overall soft lighting.

Sunglasses and Protection

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause eye damage, as well as harm the 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 and be comfortable;
• Have labels with 99-100 per cent UVA and UVB protection; and
• Come off easily if any cords or strings are attached and pulled.

Could my child be colour blind?

Some children, boys more often than girls, have trouble seeing certain colours. They can see colours, but they may have some trouble identifying certain 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 (optometrist or ophthalmologist) to check for any concerns. This can help you understand and deal with any difficulties your child may have in learning situations involving colours.

For More Information

For more information on vision screening in your area or 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 Vision.

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