With school back for another year, Optometry Australia says the importance of eye exams for little learners is still being overlooked, despite the national rates of juvenile myopia continuing to increase at a concerning rate.
Around 200,000 Australian children aged between 0 and 14 are now living with myopia (short-sightedness) but, according to OA’s 2022 Vision Index Report, nearly a third of parents continue to believe that children only need to visit an optometrist once eye symptoms present.
‘With one in five children harbouring undetected vision problems, it’s imperative to shift this mindset,’ according to Dom Willson, optometrist and Professional Services Advisor at Optometry Australia.
‘Myopia is also manifesting at a younger age, typically starting around eight years old, so early diagnosis is essential in supporting the effective management of the condition.’
Here are a few easy ways for parents and caregivers to be more proactive about their child’s eye health in 2024.
Make a date with your optometrist
Early detection is the cornerstone of maintaining good eye health in children.
Optometry Australia recommends scheduling an eye exam for children the year they start school and then every year after until adulthood. This proactive approach allows optometrists to identify and address any potential issues early on, providing children with the best opportunity to reach their full potential in the classroom.
‘Regular eye examinations can uncover conditions such as hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism and eye movement and co-ordination issues, which, if left untreated, may impact a child’s academic performance and overall wellbeing,’ said Dom Wilson.
Prioritise green over screen
While technology does play a significant role in the realms of education and entertainment, for the sake of children’s eyesight it’s essential to balance screen time with outdoor activities.
With researchers from China and Australia discovering that spending about an extra 1.25 hours per day outside reduces the risk of developing myopia by 50 percent, it’s never been more significant to promote the importance of outdoor play.
According to Dom Wilson, ‘When we consider that our 2022 Vision Index Report found that over half of parents surveyed said their children were spending at least four hours in front of screens every day, we can understand the implications this is having on “green time”.’
Encourage a balanced diet
Key findings from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) revealed only 1 in 25 Aussie kids aged 5-14 years of age consume the recommended daily serving of vegetables. As it does for the rest of the body, nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining good eye health.
Foods like broccoli, oranges, mangos, spinach, carrots, kiwi fruit, strawberries and oil-rich fish like salmon and tuna provide essential nutrients like lutein, zinc, vitamin A, C and E as well as omega-3 fatty acids which all help to boost eye health.
Dom Wilson said, ‘These nutrients are known to support the development and maintenance of eye tissues and a diet rich in them can help reduce the risk of developing certain eye conditions as we age like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eyes and poor night vision.
‘By instilling positive eating habits in childhood, kids will be held in better stead as they head toward adolescence and adulthood.’
Props for protective eyewear
In Australia, it’s been estimated that sports-related eye injuries make up 11 per cent of all paediatric eye injuries with boys twice as likely to sustain a significant eye injury compared to girls.
Children and young people who wear appropriate protective gear like helmets and goggles, as well as glasses specifically made for the likes of cricket and tennis, reduce their risk of sustaining ocular damage while participating in sporting activities.’
Additionally, sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection are fundamental for shielding kids’ eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
‘Children’s eyes, with their wider pupils and clearer lenses than adults, are particularly susceptible to UV radiation especially before the age of two,’ said Dom Wilson. ‘By ages nine to 11, approximately 30 percent of young people exhibit UV damage, and by the age of 15, one in three will have developed pterygium or pinguecula.’
Be vigilant about any changes to vision
Regular eye check-ups are essential, but as a parent, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about any changes in your child’s vision.
Keep an eye out for signs such as squinting, excessive blinking, frequent eye rubbing or ‘knuckling’, complaining of headaches or eye discomfort or any noticeable changes in their academic performance, especially literacy skills, interest in reading and ability to concentrate on schoolwork generally.
It’s recommended that every Australian, from the time they start primary school, visit an optometrist every year until age 18, then every two years as an adult, and then yearly again after turning 65, for a comprehensive eye examination.
Aussies can use Good Vision For Life’s Find an Optometrist search tool to book an appointment with their nearest optometrist today.
