When it comes to children’s eye health, parents often fall into one of two categories. And both approaches, while understandable, come with their own risks.
The Overcautious Parent
Some parents are naturally vigilant—they worry about every squint, head tilt, or complaint about blurred vision. They:
- Book multiple appointments, sometimes seeking “three opinions” before committing to a solution.
- Overanalyse minor behaviours, like a child sitting too close to the TV or tilting their head while reading.
- Spend hours online researching every symptom and possible eye condition.
While being proactive can prevent serious problems, it can also cause unnecessary stress for both parent and child. Children may start to feel anxious about their eyes, worry about tests, or even resist wearing glasses because they sense their parents’ concern.
The “It’s Fine” Parent
At the other end of the spectrum are parents who underestimate the importance of eye care. They often assume:
- “They’re just tired,” when a child squints or rubs their eyes.
- “They’ll grow out of it,” ignoring persistent vision problems.
- “Eye exams aren’t urgent unless there’s a dramatic problem.”
The danger here is that delayed detection can lead to serious, long-term issues. Many eye conditions, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or childhood myopia (near-sightedness), are most effectively treated when caught early. Waiting too long can affect a child’s learning, self-confidence, and even social development.
Why Children’s Eye Health Matters
Good vision is essential—not just for seeing the board in class. Eyes affect a child’s ability to learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Healthy eyes allow children to:
- Focus in class: Clear vision improves concentration and learning outcomes.
- Read and write comfortably: Children with undetected vision problems may struggle academically, often without anyone realizing the cause.
- Participate confidently in sports and activities: Depth perception, coordination, and reaction times all depend on healthy eyesight.
- Develop social skills: Children with vision problems may avoid activities they find frustrating or embarrassing.
Routine eye care is critical to detect:
- Refractive errors such as myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
- Amblyopia (lazy eye), which requires early intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Strabismus (crossed eyes), which can affect depth perception and eye coordination.
- Other underlying issues, including signs of chronic conditions like diabetes or even neurological disorders.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Test
Even if you don’t notice obvious problems, there are subtle signs that a child’s vision may need professional attention:
- Squinting, tilting their head, or covering one eye to see clearly
- Sitting unusually close to the TV or holding books very close
- Complaints of headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision
- Difficulty reading or skipping lines while reading
- Trouble concentrating or avoiding activities that require visual focus
Remember, symptoms alone are not a diagnosis—only a qualified optometrist can determine the root cause.
Why You Can Trust Kyalami Optometrists
At Kyalami Optometrists, we understand the balance every parent wants to achieve—being proactive without causing stress, and ensuring children get the care they need even when there are no obvious symptoms. Here’s why families trust us:
Experience & Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in paediatric eye care and is trained to detect even subtle vision issues.
Comprehensive Examinations: We use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your child’s eyes thoroughly, from visual acuity to eye alignment and overall health.
Personalized Care Plans: Every child is unique. We provide tailored solutions, whether it’s glasses, vision therapy, or referrals to specialists when needed.
Comfortable, Child-Friendly Environment: We make sure children feel safe, relaxed, and engaged during their eye exam, turning what could be a stressful experience into a positive one.
Peace of Mind for Parents: Whether you tend to worry too much or too little, our team helps you feel confident that your child’s vision is in expert hands.
Early Detection Can Prevent Future Issues
It’s important to remember: catching problems early can make all the difference. Children’s eyes develop rapidly, and early intervention can prevent lifelong vision challenges. Regular eye tests—starting as early as six months and continuing through school years—help ensure your child sees the world clearly and comfortably.
At Kyalami Optometrists, we make eye care simple, thorough, and supportive for both parents and children.
