Children's Clinic -
Children’s Eye Care: A Guide for Parents
At Surrey Opticians, we understand that your child’s vision is crucial to their development, learning, and overall well-being. Good eye health lays the foundation for academic success, confidence, and a happy childhood. That’s why regular eye care, early detection, and professional support are essential to help children see and thrive.
Why Children’s Eye Care is Important
Did you know that 80% of what a child learns in school is presented visually? Clear vision is fundamental to interpreting the world around them. Unfortunately, children may not always realize they have a vision problem, as they assume their experience of sight is normal. This makes regular eye exams key to identifying and addressing potential issues before they affect a child’s quality of life.
When Should My Child Have an Eye Test?
Key Milestones for Eye Tests:
- At Age 3 to 4: A pre-school eye test can detect early issues such as lazy eye or squints.
- Before Starting School (Around Age 5): Clear vision is essential for learning, so testing before school begins ensures your child is set up for success.
- Every Year Afterward: Annual check-ups are recommended, especially during school years when visual demands increase.
What Happens During a Sight Test for Children?
Our team creates a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment to help children feel at ease. During the test, we assess:
1. Visual Acuity
This measures how clearly your child sees objects at a distance or close-up. Using age-appropriate charts, we evaluate whether their vision meets expected standards.
2. Eye Coordination (Binocular Vision)
We check how well your child’s eyes work together to maintain clear, single vision. Issues like poor coordination can lead to headaches or difficulty with reading.
3. Eye Movement and Tracking
Smooth tracking is essential for reading and other visual activities. We assess your child’s ability to follow objects and text lines accurately.
4. Refraction Test
This identifies any need for glasses by determining if your child is short-sighted (myopia), long-sighted (hyperopia), or has astigmatism.
5. Eye Health Examination
Using specialized tools, we examine the external and internal structures of the eye to detect conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal issues.
Common Vision Problems in Children
1. Myopia (Short-Sightedness)
Children with myopia struggle to see objects in the distance, such as a classroom whiteboard. Myopia often develops during early school years and may worsen with age.
Symptoms Include:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close
- Complaints of blurry vision
2. Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness)
This condition causes difficulty focusing on nearby objects, which can affect reading and close-up work.
Symptoms Include:
- Complaints of eye strain or tired eyes
- Avoidance of reading or close tasks
- Difficulty concentrating
3. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia occurs when one eye doesn’t develop proper vision, leading to reduced vision in that eye. Early intervention is critical to prevent long-term impairment.
Treatment:
- Glasses to correct vision in the weaker eye
- Patching therapy to strengthen the weaker eye
4. Strabismus (Squint)
This is when the eyes are misaligned, causing one to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. If left untreated, it can lead to amblyopia or double vision.
5. Visual Stress (Meares-Irlen Syndrome)
This occurs when text appears to move, blur, or cause discomfort while reading. It can significantly impact academic performance and is often mistaken for dyslexia.
Symptoms Include:
- Difficulty tracking text on a page
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Complaints of letters or words appearing distorted
How We Support Visual Stress
At Surrey Opticians, we provide solutions to help children experiencing visual stress, including:
- Colored Overlays: Sheets placed over text to reduce visual discomfort.
- Precision-Tinted Glasses: Custom lenses designed to improve reading fluency and reduce symptoms.
- Reading Aids: Tools like rulers or line guides to enhance focus and tracking.
Our team collaborates with educators and specialists to ensure your child gets the best support both at school and at home.
The Role of Glasses in Childhood Development
Glasses can make a world of difference for children with vision problems. Properly prescribed lenses:
- Enhance academic performance by ensuring clear vision.
- Boost confidence and social interactions.
- Reduce eye strain and fatigue during close-up work.
At Surrey Opticians, we offer a range of durable, stylish, and child-friendly frames to help your child feel great about wearing glasses.
Blue Light and Digital Eye Strain in Children
With the increasing use of screens for learning and entertainment, children are at greater risk of digital eye strain. Prolonged exposure to blue light can cause:
- Eye fatigue
- Dry eyes
- Difficulty focusing
Our Solutions:
- Blue-light blocking lenses to reduce strain.
- Advice on the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Recommendations for appropriate screen time based on age.
Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Vision
At Home:
- Encourage outdoor play: Natural light reduces the risk of myopia progression.
- Limit screen time: Follow age-appropriate screen-time guidelines.
- Provide a balanced diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients like Vitamin A, Omega-3, and lutein.
At School:
- Ensure your child sits at an optimal distance from the board.
- Inform teachers about any vision issues or accommodations required.
- Encourage the use of proper lighting during reading and writing activities.
FAQs About Children’s Eye Care
1. Does my child need an eye test if they seem fine?
Yes, even if your child shows no symptoms, regular eye tests are essential. Vision problems can develop without obvious signs and may only become noticeable when they impact learning.
2. Are children’s eye tests free?
Yes, under the NHS, children under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free eye tests.
3. What if my child refuses to wear their glasses?
Make wearing glasses fun by involving your child in choosing their frames. Positive reinforcement and consistency can also help them adapt.
Why Choose Surrey Opticians for Your Child’s Eye Care?
At Surrey Opticians, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Here’s why we’re the best choice for your child’s vision:
- Specialized Care: Our optometrists are trained in pediatric eye care and visual stress management.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: We use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure accurate assessments.
- Wide Range of Frames: We offer durable, lightweight, and stylish options tailored for children.
- Personalized Support: We collaborate with parents, teachers, and specialists to provide a comprehensive care plan.
Book Your Child’s Eye Test Today
Regular eye tests are a vital part of your child’s health and development. At Surrey Opticians, we’re here to ensure your child’s vision is as clear and healthy as possible.
📞 Call us: 020 8660 7343
📍 Visit us: at one of our Surrey Opticians branches,
Help your child see the world clearly—because their future is worth it.