According to the American Optometric Association, 80% of children with learning difficulties have an undiagnosed visual problem. Meanwhile, the International Myopia Institute has predicted that by 2050, 50% of the world’s population will be myopic.
These statistics highlight the urgent need to ensure that your child’s vision is evaluated—preferably before they even start school. Vision is a cornerstone of learning, and undetected problems can significantly impact your child’s development and academic success.
As a mom to two boys (ages 8 and 12), I’ve witnessed firsthand how varied children’s learning journeys can be. My oldest son thrives effortlessly in school, while my youngest has faced a tougher path, requiring us to consult multiple therapists over the past three years.
This experience taught me the importance of a holistic approach to addressing children’s challenges, especially when vision is involved.
With over 20 years of experience as an optometrist specializing in pediatric vision, I’ve seen how crucial it is to maintain open communication between parents, teachers, therapists, and healthcare providers.
Teachers: Key Partners in Early Detection
Teachers play an invaluable role in identifying potential vision problems. They spend 6–8 hours a day observing our kids and comparing their abilities to peers in a classroom setting. Often, they’re the first to notice when something seems “off.”
If a teacher raises a concern about your child, trust their observations and take action. In my practice, I regularly receive referrals from teachers, and 9 times out of 10, the child requires either glasses or visual therapy. These early interventions make a world of difference.
Advanced Training for Better Care
In 2023–2024, I was privileged to complete a Behavioral Optometry course led by international experts through Opsis. This 120-hour program, delivered by leading American and British optometrists, emphasized optimizing lens prescriptions for every aspect of a child’s life.
Through this course, I gained deeper insights into how the visual system affects learning and anxiety. I also learned that addressing visual challenges often needs to come before tackling other therapies, as vision impacts many cognitive and physical processes.
Why Myopia Control Matters
The world around our kids has changed. With the rise of screens and near work—reading, writing, and using devices—their world now operates within 1 meter of focus. This shift places immense strain on the visual system, often affecting distance vision over time.
It’s common for children to tell me, “I can’t see the board.” Interestingly, many of these kids don’t have a distance vision problem but rather a strained near vision system. Correcting this strain with the right prescription often relaxes the entire visual system, improving both near and distance vision.
When to Test Your Child’s Eyes
Every child should have a comprehensive eye examination before starting school. This exam should evaluate both the near and distance vision systems. Additionally, if either parent is nearsighted, it’s crucial to have your child tested early, even before symptoms appear. Children are remarkably adaptable, and they may not complain even if they’re struggling to see.
What If Your Child Is Myopic?
If we diagnose your child with myopia, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This is the start of a journey, and we’ll work together every step of the way. Regular six-month checkups will help us monitor changes and adapt treatment plans as needed.
Options for myopia control range from specialized glasses and contact lenses to lifestyle adjustments and advanced therapies. Rest assured, we’ll collaborate with teachers and therapists to create a holistic plan tailored to your child’s needs.
The Impact of Clear Vision
When your child receives the correct visual support—whether through glasses or contact lenses—it changes everything. They’ll be more relaxed, confident, and engaged with the world around them. Seeing clearly allows them to learn, explore, and connect with others in ways that are vital for their development.
What causes Myopia (nearsightedness)?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on it. There are also certain environmental causes:
- Close-up activities: Spending a lot of time reading or working on a computer can increase the risk of myopia.
- Screen time: Using computers or smart devices for long periods can increase the risk of myopia.
- Time spent indoors: Spending too much time indoors and not enough time outdoors may increase the risk of myopia.
- Other health problems: Other health problems, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of myopia.
- Eye injuries: Blunt ocular injuries can cause pseudo-myopia.
- Eye structure - Myopia can occur when the eyeball is too long, or when the cornea or lens are not the right shape. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.
How will I know my child is suffering from Myopia?
Here are some symptoms of potential vision problems to monitor:
- Difficulty seeing the board in class
- Frequent squinting or blinking
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Avoidance of reading or close-up work
- Poor academic performance despite effort
A Final Thought
I’d like to end with a quote from Dr. A.M. Skeffington, a pioneer in Behavioral Optometry: “The fundamental reason for having vision is that a person can get meaning out of the world that he must inhabit. He must know what things are, whether they are good for him or not, how he can find them, and how he can pursue them.”
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s vision, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help guide you on this important journey.