Parents are constantly on the lookout for signs that children are happy, healthy and meeting all the necessary milestones. We measure their height and weight, and pay attention to their learning and emotional wellbeing, but eye health is one aspect that’s often forgotten. However, vision plays an essential part in a child’s development at all ages, so it’s important that we keep an eye on it with regular check-ups.
Eye testing can diagnose many common paediatric eye conditions and allow for prompt treatment, ensuring your little one has the best chance of excellent vision and eye health now and well into the future.
If you’ve ever Googled eye exam near me’ while wondering if your child’s squinting or clumsiness might be vision-related, you’re not alone. Knowing what to watch out for and when to see an optometrist, can make a big difference in your child’s wellbeing.
Here’s some of the most common paediatric eye conditions in Australian children and the treatment options that can help.
Myopia (Short-Sightedness)
Myopia is on the rise in children, especially as screen time and indoor activities increase. Kids with myopia can see objects up close clearly, but distant objects, like the whiteboard at school or a ball coming their way on the field, appear blurry.
Signs to watch for:
· Squinting
· Sitting too close to the TV
· Complaints of blurry distance vision
Treatment options
Prescription glasses are the most common solution, however, myopia control strategies like specially designed contact lenses or atropine eye drops are popular for slowing progression in children.
Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness)
Children with hyperopia can usually see distant objects well, but close-up tasks like reading or drawing can cause eye strain or headaches. Mild hyperopia is normal in young children and often corrects itself as they grow, but higher degrees may need treatment.
Signs to watch for:
· Avoidance of reading
· Eye rubbing
· Difficulty concentrating on close work
Treatment options
Glasses may be prescribed for reading or full-time wear, depending on the severity. Regular check-ups are important to monitor whether vision improves naturally or if ongoing correction is needed.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia is when one eye is weaker than the other, often due to one eye not sending clear images to the brain during development. It’s usually caused by strabismus (eye misalignment), a significant difference in prescription between eyes, or a droopy eyelid.
Signs to watch for:
· One eye turning in or out
· Poor depth perception
· Squinting or shutting one eye
Treatment options
Early intervention is key here. Treatment may include glasses, patching the stronger eye, or using eye drops to blur the stronger eye, encouraging the weaker one to strengthen. In some cases, vision therapy exercises may also be recommended.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
Strabismus occurs when the eyes are misaligned and do not work together. This condition can be constant or intermittent and may lead to amblyopia if left untreated.
Signs to watch for:
· One eye turning in, out, up, or down
· Tilting the head to focus
· Double vision (in older children)
Treatment options
Depending on the severity and cause, treatment may involve glasses, vision therapy, or referral for surgical correction. Early diagnosis improves the chances of long-term success.
Convergence Insufficiency
This is a condition where the eyes don’t work together properly when focusing on nearby objects and it can cause eye strain, headaches and difficulty reading.
Signs to watch for:
· Complaints of double vision
· Fatigue while reading
· Loss of place while reading
Treatment options
Vision therapy is often used to strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination while some children may benefit from glasses with prism lenses.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Children don’t always realise they have a vision problem and often won’t speak up so that’s why routine eye exams are so important. A comprehensive eye test doesn’t just check for clarity of vision, it evaluates how well the eyes work together, how they focus, and whether there are any underlying issues affecting your child’s development.
The friendly, qualified team of optometrists at Perth’s Abernethy Owens are experienced in working with children and make the process as stress-free as possible.
The earlier issues are detected, the better the outcome, and sometimes, a pair of glasses or a few weeks of therapy can completely transform a child’s experience of the world.
At our five conveniently located Perth practices, we’re proud to provide independent, family-focused eye care you can trust. If it’s been a while since your child’s last check-up or if you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, book an appointment online now or call 1800 411 744.