The importance of good vision in children

Approximately 80 per cent of learning happens through your eyes, thus good vision is an essential part of your child’s learning ability, development and overall achievement in school.

For this reason, Visual Screenings and Comprehensive Eye Examinations are absolutely crucial for all children before they enter school. Yearly check-ups for all school-aged children are also highly recommended. Early detection of visual problems and the correct treatment will make an immense difference in how a child experience the challenges faced in a school environment.

The signs and symptoms listed below indicate that a child needs a visual examination, but also keep in mind that some children with visual difficulties do not show any of these. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to have all children tested.

How to identify visual problems:

1. Child mention that they cannot see on the board
2. Struggling to copy from the board
3. Squinting
4. Headaches
5. Eyes turning inwards or outwards
6. Intermittent blurriness of vision
7. Rubbing of eyes
8. Working distance to close
9. Academic performance worsening
10. Reversal of letters
11. Losing their place while reading
12. Using their finger to hold place
13. Blurred or double vision
14. Avoiding reading or close work
15. Excessive tearing while doing close work
16. Tilting of head or only using one eye
17. Complaining of tired eyes while doing homework or reading
18. Letters appear as if they are moving or swimming on the page

Help your child to see the world … book a Visual Examination at Annerie Erasmus on 217 Ontdekkers Road, Horison Park, Roodepoort. Details: Contact them on 010 595 9811 or email annerie@annerieerasmus.co.za or visit www.annerieerasmus.co.za.