¿How to detect a child who doesn’t see well?

Coinciding with Back to School, our ophthalmologists remind you that vision is one of the most influential factors in our children’s performance in schools. ‘Kids perceive 80-90% of their environment’s information through their eyes, so that a non-corrected visual acuity or anomalous ocular movements may provoke an important drawback to their learning’ explains Dr. José Visa, ophthalmologist of the IMO Miranza Group’s Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology. That’s why it’s highly important to be aware of certain visual symptoms.

Signs to know if a child doesn’t see well

The clues that can indicate if your child has visual deficit are depending on their age. ‘In kids younger than a year, one the most important symptoms is the reluctance of using toys or objects, just as of these children are avoiding to look at their parents’ eyes’ explains Dr. Visa. However, there are other symptoms that may be a reason of concern. ‘We need to observe if, for instance, they are getting closer to the TV or other types of screens to see better, if they lose their reading habit or if they suffer headaches during the end of the day.’

Enhancing Children’s Vision

Moreover, it’s important to undergo ocular Examination every 3-4 years in order to discard any possible alterations.

The beginning of the school course is a good moment to perform ocular checks to kids, whose vision is still in development during their first decade of life. ‘Visual acuity is developed from birth until reaching the age of seven, if a problem isn’t treated on time, it may become chronic and irreversible during adult life.’

¿Which age is recommended for ocular examination?

• It’s important to go under annual exams when the child is between 3-10 years old.
• From 10-16 years, it’s recommended to go to the doctor every two years.

Another recommendation from our specialists regarding present times (COVID-19, online classes, etc.) is to frequent sports and other physical activities in order to boost children’s visual health and health in general.