THE RIGHT TO SIGHT

 Your child's vision is the most important tool that he/she needs in order to succeed in school and improve IQ.

Most parents are under the impression that children cannot be tested till they enter main stream school-which is a Myth. It is possible to check the vision in children who cannot read alphabets as there are many child friendly visual charts

Why do we see a higher occurrence of eye problems at an early age in today’s times

Many eye doctors believe that heavy computer use, Game Boy and Video Games among children puts them at risk for early myopia [short sightedness]. The average child now spends one to three hours per day on the computer doing homework, talking online with friends, and playing games. 25% to 30% of computer-using children need spectacles to work comfortably and safely at the computer at home or in school.

How to detect these common eye problems?

1. First detailed eye examination for all children age of 6 months; again at 2 years, and then annually.
2. Screenings at school are designed to alert parents to the possibility of a visual problem, but not take the place of a visit to an eye doctor.
3. The visual system is developing along with your child, so annual prescription changes are common hence annual checks are important.

Tips on daily eye care for children:

1.Diet: A healthy diet with emphasis on green leafy vegetables, drumstick, carrots, beetroot, fresh fruits including mango and papaya are particularly rich in Vitamin A.

2.Lighting: Light source should be positioned behind your child while reading. Avoid direct glare by using shielded light. Reading material should ideally be placed 12- 14

inches away. 

3. TV: Avoid watching TV in a dark room. A well-lit room with white light [tubelight] is ideal. Preferred viewing distance for watching TV is 4 metres or more.

4. Computers: Place the computer screen at eye level or slightly lower and in such a way to minimize reflection and glare. The recommended distance between the monitor and the eye for children is 18-28 inches. Do not let the child sit for more than 40 minutes continuously in front of a computer monitor.

5. Allergies: Common colds and allergies are common but it is important not to allow the child to knuckle or rub his or her eyes very hard as this can be habitual leading to corneal abnormalities like keratoconus. Hence always address the root cause of allergy.

6. Swimming: Water tight swimming goggles prevents irritation due to chlorine and reduces the chances of infection and allergies.

7. Sports: If your child is involved in ball games and /or contact sports protective eye wear made of polycarbonate is recommended.

8. UV light: Exposure to sunlight is healthy in moderation and helps in the making if Vitamin D by the body. Too much exposure to bright sunlight is harmful and can cause damage. Wide brimmed hats and UV filtering sunglasses provide adequate protection.

This article is issued in public awareness by Shroff Eye Hospital, Mumbai