OPHTHALMOLOGIST Dr Maanda Mabogo encourages parents to take care of their children’s eye health as August is Children Eye Health Month. Mabogo highlights the importance of healthy eyesight and how it contributes to the overall well-being of the child.
She said good vision is essential for learning, playing, and interacting with the world around us.
“Children’s lives can be significantly impacted by untreated visual issues. They may impair a child’s capacity for learning, play, and activity participation. They might also result in social exclusion and low self-esteem,” she stated.
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Dr Mabogo further highlights the challenges children in rural areas face that make them fall short of the eye care they deserve.
“In rural areas, it might be difficult for people, especially children, to get eye care. Distance is a problem since eye care providers, who are often based in cities and suburbs, are frequently extremely far away from these remote areas. Families may find it challenging to travel so that their children can receive more frequent eye exams due to this.
“Another major issue for most South Africans is cost; eye treatment may be expensive, and as the majority of the people are living in poverty, this can make it difficult for them to get their children the eye care they need. Instead, they must rely on government hospitals, where there are sometimes lengthy waiting lists,” she said.
She said it is important to raise awareness because a large portion of the population that relies on public health isn’t aware of the significance of eye health or the warning signs and symptoms of eye issues. Children may end up lacking the necessary attention as a result of this.
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Dr Mabogo suggested initiatives that can be done to improve eye care in marginalized communities.
“In order to help families afford quality eye care, the government and other important partners in the health sector can work together to give financial assistance. Mobile eye clinics can routinely visit rural areas to offer eye care services, but the main emphasis must be on educating people about the value of eye health and how to see the signs and symptoms of eye disorders so they can seek treatment when necessary,” she said
There are numerous signs that a child can have visual issues. These include:
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes and complaints of itching eyes
- Holding books or other objects close to the face.
- Difficulty seeing in dim light.
- Frequent headaches
- Shows abnormal head position
- Blinks more than normal
- Squints or squeezes eyes.
Take your child to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) if you see any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of visual issues can aid in preventing long-term issues.
Children’s development, learning, and general well-being depend on having good vision. We can ensure that our kids have the chance to see and realize their full potential by taking proper care of their eyes.
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