Statistics show that alarmingly only 40% of Australian children under the age of 9 years old have had an eye test. Eye tests can detect a range of vision and eye health problems that children may not be aware of having, and that are time critical in their treatment.
One of these conditions is Myopia, also known as Shortsightedness, it is the developing epidemic in children and teenagers across the world, with record high numbers in Australia.
Myopia in children and teenagers causes blurred vision in the distance and eye strain or fatigue but in adults progressive or high myopia can cause eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macula disease.
Research over the last decade (and more) has shown that myopia can be slowed through interventions that alter the image the eye sees. These treatments are in spectacle lenses, contact lenses and in the form of eye drops. The critical time for treatment is in childhood and teenage years as there is limited benefit in adulthood when the eye has reached maturity.
At Canterbury Eyecare we have access to all the myopia slowing interventions, they are detailed more on our dedicated webpage here:
Myopia Management.
The symptoms of myopia in children are wide ranging, from squinting and blur in the classroom or whilst watching TV to eye strain and fatigue. An eye test with one of our Optometrists can detect any signs of early myopia and interventions can be commenced immediately.
Eye tests are recommended at first between the ages of 3 and 5 years old in children and then usually every year thereafter. To book an appointment for your child contact us on 9888 6377 or instantly book online.
