Importance of children’s eye exams highlighted for World Sight Day

 

Good vision essential for children to learn, play and thrive

 

Parents have been urged to keep a close eye on their children’s vision – as early detection of conditions through regular exams is key to good eye health.

 

Marking World Sight Day which takes place this week (Thursday October 10th), Optometry Ireland said this year’s World Sight Day’s theme is the importance of eyecare in young people, as healthy eyes enable children to learn, play and thrive.

 

Optometry Ireland President Tania Constable urged parents to book an eye exam for their children if they have any concern.

 

“An uncorrected vision problem can significantly impact a child’s education, enjoyment of life and their future. Having a colour vision problem can also affect a child’s life choices. Healthy eyes enable children to learn, play and thrive.

 

“1 in 12 boys has a problem with colour vision and 1 in 200 girls. This will affect their future career choices as there are colour vision requirements for such jobs as pilots, electricians, and public transport drivers.

 

“Many of today’s children will become short sighted (myopic), with environmental factors like screen use playing a significant role. It is estimated that by 2050 half of the world’s population will be short-sighted (myopic).

 

“Children may not realise there is a problem which is why regular routine eye examinations with an optometrist is key. For example, champion international Paralympian athletes Jason Smyth and Orla Comerford were diagnosed with Stargardt’s eye disease at very young ages and yet went on to compete in sprinting events at international levels.

 

“Stargardt’s eye disease is an inherited retinal eye disease which affects central vision. Early symptoms can include reduced vision in both eyes which progressively gets worse. Colour vision is also affected in this condition. There is currently no treatment, but it can be managed with appropriate supports.”

 

Ms. Constable recommended an eye exam for their children when parents notice “eye rubbing, closing or covering of one eye, if their eyes are not lined up when looking at an object, or if they are struggling to see the board at school.

 

“Complaints of tired eyes or headaches after school can be a sign of an eye problem. Poor vision can affect learning, and this is easily fixed in many cases with a pair of glasses. A routine eye exam can be carried out at your local Optometrist, who are in 350 locations nationwide.”

 

All children are entitled to a free State funded vision screening in primary school which usually takes place in Junior Infants. However, parents are advised not to wait for this if they have an immediate concern.

 

Ms. Constable said that excessive screen time – which is an increased risk in children’s lives today – can increase eye strain and may play a role in the development of short-sightedness, so to limit screen time and spend time outdoors every day.

 

Optometry Ireland said there is an urgent need for 8-16 year olds public eyecare programme in Ireland – to address a gap in services for this age group of children. 

 

Further Information

Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731.

World Sight Day 2024: https://www.iapb.world/world_sight_day

 

Optometry Ireland (OI) is the professional representative body for the vast majority of practising Optometrists in Ireland, including 700 members in 350 locations nationwide. OI works to ensure the highest possible standards in provision of clinical and dispensing eye-care services to the public. www.optometryireland.ie