Monitoring children’s visual health from early childhood is essential to ensure harmonious development and prevent issues that could negatively affect their growth. Therefore, eye examinations in children are essential: but what signs to pay attention to, when to perform them and how frequently?

In an era when digital devices are an integral part of daily life, even for young children, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with prolonged use of smartphones, tablets and bright screens in general. According to the World Health Organization, about 12 million children and youth under the age of 15 worldwide have visual impairments. Of these, about 4 % under the age of 6 suffer from myopia, between 5 and 10 % from astigmatism, and up to 20 % from hyperopia. These data underscore the importance of early eye screening, which is useful in identifying and correcting any visual defects early.

Children’s eyesight: here are the alarm bells

Monitoring certain behaviors in children can be crucial in detecting vision problems early. Here are some signs parents should watch out for:

1. The child sits too close to the TV or gets very close to the reading surface – These habits could indicate non-optimal vision, forcing the child to strain to see clearly. Such behavior could signal nearsightedness, especially if the child holds books very close to the eyes while reading, assuming incorrect postures;
2. Continuous rubbing of the eyes – Rubbing the eyes is normal in children, especially when they are tired. However, if this gesture becomes frequent and occurs while playing or trying to concentrate, it could be a sign of visual problems, such as keratoconus or allergic conjunctivitis;
3. Excessive tearing or light sensitivity – A very pronounced sensitivity to light, called photophobia, could be associated with eye disorders such as blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or corneal disease. This condition can cause headaches and nausea, making medical attention necessary;
4. Closing one eye – If your child closes one eye while watching TV or reading, he or she may be suffering from refractive defects such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. It could also be a binocular problem, which impairs the proper joint functioning of the eyes;
5. The eyes do not point in the same direction – This sign could indicate strabismus or lazy eye syndrome. Early intervention by the ophthalmologist is crucial, as it allows the problem to be corrected with glasses, corrective patches or, in some cases, surgery.

It is essential to give children regular eye and orthoptic examinations, especially if there is a family history of visual problems: after an initial visit at birth, it is advisable to repeat the checkup at age 2 and then at age 4, and thereafter to maintain it every two years even if development is progressing well.

Today there are specific lenses to reduce the possibility of increased myopia, such as MiYOSMART, although only a specialized center can best advise you after careful evaluation.

Back to School: why September is the Perfect Month to Take Kids to the Ophthalmologist

September represents an ideal time to have an eye screening, right at the beginning of the school year. Vision problems in children are quite common and often go unnoticed, as toddlers cannot always effectively communicate their visual discomforts.

As Dr. Federico Badalà, an expert in Micro Eye Surgery, points out, “often children do not have the tools to clearly communicate that they have an eye problem.” For this reason, too, the doctor will participate in several meetings in Milan schools during the fall to raise awareness of this crucial issue among parents and teachers.

While it is common to take children to the dentist on a regular basis, the eyes are often neglected, although ocular health is just as important.The eyes are our window to the world and must be protected with great care. Regular checkups can mean the difference between a peaceful childhood and the onset of problems that could adversely affect a child’s school performance and quality of life.

September and the associated return to the school routine – in view of the load of study and visual effort on books that lies ahead in the coming months – is the perfect opportunity to also include an eye examination among the priorities for the well-being of the little ones.

We are available for information and visits at our clinic in Milan (tel. 02-36523300) and our clinic in Catania (tel. 095-315494).

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