1. Screen Eyes to Detect Vision Problems
When a child does poorly in school, teachers, principals and even parents are quick to assume the child is lazy. However, sometimes the problem for performing inadequately has nothing to do with using their mind properly and has everything to do with using their eyes properly. Studies show that on average, 39 percent of children screened have vision problems. Countless numbers of students undergo problems with how their eyes focus light, which causes vision problems. Such vision problems affect the reading ability of children, as demonstrated in their overall class performance. The solution to this is proper vision screening of every child at an early age, ideally in preschool.
2. Start Checking Eyes From Birth
Most babies have their eyes examined at birth. The birth exam is vital in order to discover if there are any physical limitations, because catching the problem early by identifying the symptoms offers a better chance for a successful and effective treatment. In these early months, the body develops by alternating each side. One eye faces the nose as the other stays straight. That means one side of the body is working while the other is not. In a few days, this changes to normal. If the eye or eyes stay inward, then be concerned and have the baby's eyes checked by a vision therapist.
3. Eye Exams for Toddlers
By the time a child is one year old, he becomes more active and interested in life. He can judge dimensions and the different sizes of objects. When he turns two or three, the child starts talking and getting more involved with activities like painting and drawing. At this point, you need to give your child a complete vision and eye exam. Test results may indicate short-sightedness or long-sightedness and any evidence of crossed eyes.
4. Indicators to Detect
The majority of visual problems in children are long- or short-sightedness or astigmatism. These eye conditions lead to focusing problems, which teachers and parents look for on a regular basis. The indicators to look for if you think your child might have a vision problem are redness, white pupils, eyes look misaligned (i.e., one eye points straight while the other turns inward), eye or eyes jerking, frequenting blinking or watering of the eyes, squinting and unequal or slow constriction or dilation of the pupils. Behavior problems more often surface, too, when a child has a vision-related problem such as headaches, using his hand to cover one eye, poor concentration, avoiding reading, rubbing eyes, having inconsistent or crooked writing, tilting his head while looking at something and poor hand-eye coordination.
