Ballito ophthalmologist Dr Reddy stresses early eyecare for healthier sight
Regulate screen time to limit negative impact of digital devices on children's vision.
World Eyecare Awareness Month, from September 20 to October 17, emphasises the importance of safeguarding children’s vision.
Dr Yavische Reddy, a Ballito ophthalmologist, offers crucial advice for maintaining eye health from birth through adolescence.
Education starts with the parents first, of course, and Dr Reddy says pregnant women should avoid smoking to prevent premature delivery and potential eye issues for the newborn.
Premature babies face risks like myopia and blindness, while infections such as rubella can impair retinal development.
It is important for eyecare to become part of regular health check-ups to ensure any potential issues are picked up early.
“During a baby’s first months, their central vision is still developing. A newborn baby can see, but they are still forming connections between their retina and their brain. In the first two months of life, an infant’s eyes may appear to cross or wander out to the sides, which is usually normal. By three months old a baby’s eyes should focus and follow objects,” said Dr Reddy.
For toddlers, one should look for misalignment, where one eye looks straight ahead and the other turns in a different direction. This might be a sign of Strabismus, which can be associated with underlying refractive errors.
Aside from vaccinating to prevent measles, which is the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide, parents should also keep cleaning products away from young children as they can cause chemical burns.
As children grow it is also important to monitor screentime, which can cause digital eye strain.
“To help combat this, encourage your child to follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look up from the screen every 20 minutes and focus at least 20 feet (6m) away for 20 seconds,” she said.
Ball sports are a leading cause of eye injuries for children aged 14 and over, a common form of blindness in children. Use protective goggles where possible.
Common signs that could indicate vision problems in children include:
• Quick loss of interest in activities that require eye use.
• Consistently losing their place when reading.
• Turning their head to look at something in front of them.
You can find Dr Reddy at Suite 3, The Well in Ballito, or at 110 Hulett Street, Adams Medical Centre in KwaDukuza.
Contact the rooms at 061 434 0191 to make a booking.
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