eyes
LET’S TALK ABOUT
T
he eyes are such a wonderful gift, allowing us to enjoy a bright and colourful life, capturing a wealth of wonderful sights and experiences. We only get one pair of eyes. An obvious statement, yet many are fastidious about visiting the dentist (which is great!) but don’t give the same attention to their vision. There is no second chance with the eyes. Once the damage is done, whilst the effects may not be apparent for many decades, it is irreversible. WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR A child should have their eyes examined at least every two years from their pre-school year, but earlier and more frequently if you have any cause for concern. It is very hard to spot if a small child has an issue with their vision. They won’t know the way the see isn’t normal. Here are some things to look out for: ● Headaches and sore eyes - your child rubbing their eyes or temples. ● Difficulty concentrating - often apparent when a child starts school, for instance if they are struggling focus on the smartboard for prolonged periods. ● Losing their place when reading or complaining
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that the words seem jumbled, wobbly or that the letters are moving on the page. ● Having issues with coordination for example when playing ball games or balancing, or perhaps they just seem a little clumsy and accident prone. ● Squinting or closing one eye when reading or watching television. ● Eyes pointing in different directions which can be particularly obvious when they are tired. ● Showing sensitivity to light or the glare from a screen, or having very watery eyes. None of these mean your child definitely has an issue with their eyesight but they are worth booking them in for an eye examination to eliminate the possibility. Ultimately, trust your instinct and never, ever think you’re wasting an optometrist’s time by getting something checked over. “I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT MY CHILD NEEDS GLASSES…” This can be very upsetting for a parent. No one wants their child to meet a hurdle in life but there are now so many options it doesn’t mean they need to be restricted in any way.
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