Kids Eye Care Month

Good vision is important for growing kids. Children should have their eyes examined prior to beginning primary school. Early detection of a problem may be a way to avoid set backs in the classroom or even serious vision loss later.
If vision problems run in the family or you have noticed physical problems (lazy eye or difficulty focusing on or following a finger) you should have your child’s vision checked earlier, by 3 or sooner.

As a rule, children’s eyes should be examined every 2 years, or annually if the child wears glasses.
 

Be on the lookout! 12 warning signs of a potential problem:

• One or both eyelids droop
• Iris of one or both eyes appears cloudy
• Excessive tearing in one or both eyes
• Sensitivity to light, excessive blinking in bright light
• Persistent redness in or around eye/s
• Swelling or discharge from the eye/s
• Child rubs eyes frequently
• Consistently sits too close to the TV
• Holds items close to face to read
• Squinting to see things close up or at a distance
• Tilts head to one side to see better
• Closes one eye to read, watch TV or see better