Vision Problems in Children

Vision Problems in Children: Ensuring Your Child’s Eyes Are Healthy

At Smart Vision Optometry, we understand the critical importance of maintaining good eye health for your child. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can significantly enhance a child’s quality of life and academic performance. Our dedicated children’s optometrists in Bondi and Mosman are here to help diagnose and treat various eye conditions, ensuring your child’s vision is optimal.

Understanding Vision Problems in Children

According to Optometry Australia, approximately one in every five children has an undetected vision problem, which may hinder their school performance and self-esteem. Unlike adults, children often do not complain about vision issues, as they believe everyone sees the world as they do. Therefore it is very important to understand the difference between eyesight and vision.

Children may have 20/20 eyesight, meaning normal distance vision, yet still struggle with functional and perceptual vision skills. These skills, relating to the brain, nerves, psychology, learning ability, and development, are not identified by standard eye examinations or school screenings. Fortunately, these can often be improved with targeted training, leading to better learning outcomes.

Symptoms of Vision Problems in Children

Be alert for the following symptoms, which may indicate vision problems:

• Learning difficulties
• Fatigue and reduced concentration
• Poor reading comprehension and short attention span
• Loss of place while reading
• Coordination problems and clumsiness with ball skills
• Eye strain and headaches
• Sensitivity to light (glare)
• Red and sore eyes
• Nausea and motion sickness
• Unusual head turn or body posture when reading or writing
• Difficulty copying from the board
• Letter and number reversals when writing

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our behavioural optometry practices in Sydney and schedule a Vision Skills Assessment or take our Smart Vision Quiz now.

Common Vision Problems and Conditions

Children can experience a variety of vision problems and eye conditions, including:

• Blurry Vision: Caused by refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
• Sensitive to Light: A sign of various eye conditions needing assessment.
• Dry Eyes: Causing discomfort and concentration issues.
• Vision Loss: Due to injury, infection, or genetic factors.
• Eye Diseases: Including conjunctivitis, uveitis, and keratitis.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): While more common in adults, understanding risk factors and protecting your child’s eyes from UV exposure is crucial for long-term health.
• Optic Nerve Issues: Leading to vision loss and requiring immediate attention.

Ensure your child’s eye health and academic success by booking an appointment at Smart Vision Optometry. Our comprehensive eye tests and vision screenings are designed to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions. With practices in Bondi and Mosman, we are conveniently located to serve your family’s eye care needs.

Our Approach to Children’s Vision Care

Our Smart Vision behavioural optometrists in Sydney not only aim to provide the best sight possible but also focus on enhancing visual performance. We assist children by detecting and managing vision problems, including eye movement, focus, binocular eye coordination, and visual perceptual deficits that interfere with learning.

Vision Skills for Learning

Eye Focusing: The ability to change focus and maintain clear vision at varying distances, critical for learning, reading, writing, and sports. Poor eye focusing can lead to visual fatigue and reduced reading comprehension.

Eye Tracking: The ability to fixate, track, and jump from object to object. Poor eye tracking can result in poor reading and writing skills.

Eye Teaming: The ability to use both eyes together as a coordinated team. Poor eye teaming can cause difficulties with reading, learning, depth perception, posture, and headaches.

Visual-Spatial Awareness: The ability to accurately process spatial information. Issues here can lead to clumsiness, poor handwriting, and difficulty setting out work.

Visual Analysis and Discrimination: The ability to differentiate small details, crucial for reading and writing comprehension. Difficulties can lead to challenges with spelling and expression.

Visual-Motor Integration: Also known as “eye-hand coordination”, important for tasks like writing, drawing, and copying from the board.

Visual-Auditory Integration: The ability to link what is heard with what is seen. Difficulties can cause problems in reading aloud and writing from dictation.

Why Choose Smart Vision Optometry?

Throughout the years, our Smart Vision pediatric optometrists have diagnosed and treated numerous vision problems in children using a combination of accurate glasses prescription and vision training. We take pride in seeing the remarkable progress and increased self-confidence in children over time.

Book Your Child’s Vision Assessment Today

Take the first step towards protecting your child’s vision. Book an appointment with Smart Vision Optometry for a comprehensive vision screening and eye test. Our expert team is here to diagnose and treat any vision problems, providing the best care for your child.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with booking, please contact our Bondi (02) 9365 5047 or Mosman (02) 9969 1600 practice directly. Our friendly staff is here to help with all your child’s eye care needs.