Good vision is key to the development of fine motor skills and perceptual abilities among children. In fact, 80% of learning also takes place through reading and writing. Not paying attention to eye complications can lead to vision impairment, loss, incorrect focusing power, droopy eyelids and opacity in the lens.
The global eye health action plan by the 66th World Health Assembly aids member states to strengthen prevention measures for visual impairment. Eye care programs ensure treatment at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. As a responsible parent, you need to be mindful of the signs that you child might be experiencing a vision problem. Here’s a look at the signs pediatric ophthalmologists in Delhi say indicate the need to consult a doctor immediately.
Constant Squinting
Squinting affects 2%-4% of all young children. It is a subconscious effort by the brain to reduce blurriness of vision. If the child is trying to see with one eye shut, they are trying to get a better view of nearby or far away objects. There is a clear lack of alignment in both eyes, which is quite problematic. If you see your child doing this often, followed by rubbing their eyes vigorously, it’s time to visit the doctor.
Headaches or Migraines
Eye strain and headaches usually go together. Although headaches can also be caused by stress or from being generally unwell, intense use of the eye muscles is also a prominent reason. If the child has been reading and writing for long hours, a throbbing headache is likely to occur. In fact, screen time of more than 3 hours a day can lead to vision difficulties. If the child has been complaining lately of frequent nausea and headaches, consult an eye specialist.
Behaviour Changes
Constantly sitting too close to the TV isthe most obvious reason to visit a specialist, say pediatric ophthalmologists in Delhi.Ask their schoolteachers if they insiston sitting in the front row. If yes, the child might be having a difficult time seeing or reading the board. In fact, they might also be unable to catch a ball, read signboards or identify people from a distance. Schedule an eye appointment to know what the root cause could be.
Excessive Tears
There might be an underlying medical condition if the eyes are itching and watering too often. This condition is known as lag ophthalmus, where the eyelids do not close fully while sleeping. The surface dries out, leading to increased fluids being produced the following day. However, tears can also appear if the eyes are being rubbed excessively. Pay close attention to the cause before consulting the doctor.
Poor Reading Skills
One main sign of poor vision is low comprehension. The child struggles to read one word and loses concentration in the process. This is because the nerves controlling the eye muscles could be weak. It further causes difficulties in absorbing and retaining information. Eye impairment can increase the odds of poor academics and impact self confidence in class. It is best to get a checkup done to ensure that eye complications do not worsen in future.
Head Tilts
Disbalancedeyesightcan lead to seeing double while staring at a particular direction. The head tilt is a way to adjust the angle of vision. This way, clarity of the misaligned eyes is improved. However, this imbalance in the eye muscles needs to be treated to avoid amblyopia or “lazy eyes” in children.
Apart from these signs, pay close attention to excessive rubbing, clumsiness or complaints of eye pain. A test is a must if these discomforts persist for more than a day, say the best pediatric ophthalmologists in Delhi. Additionally, check for overexertion from time to time. Taking the right steps can help your child understand color codes, pictures stories and geometric shapes in school.
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