by dr nicholas altuneg, Behavioural Optometrist
As parents, we often focus on our children’s physical and cognitive milestones, but vision development is equally crucial for their overall growth and success.
Critical periods for vision checks
Ages 4–5: Preparing for school success
At this stage, children are preparing to enter formal education, and their visual skills play a crucial role in their readiness to learn. Vision checks at this age are vital because:
- Many visual skills necessary for reading and writing are developing rapidly.
- Undetected vision problems can lead to early learning difficulties.
- Early intervention can prevent vision–related issues from impacting academic performance.
- It’s an ideal time to detect and correct amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye misalignment).
- Hand–eye coordination and visual perception skills can be assessed and enhanced if needed.
Ages 7–8: Mastering reading skills
This period coincides with a critical phase in reading development, often referred to as “learning to read.” Vision checks at this stage are crucial because:
- Children are transitioning from decoding individual letters to recognising whole words.
- Visual demands increase as print size in books decreases and reading volume increases.
- Sustained near vision tasks become more common, potentially revealing focusing issues.
- Binocular vision skills (how eyes work together) become more important for efficient reading.
- Potential onset or progression of myopia (nearsightedness).
- Undetected vision problems at this stage can lead to reading difficulties and may be mistaken for learning disabilities.
Ages 10–11: Advancing reading strategies
As children move into upper primary school, their reading skills evolve, and so do their visual demands. This stage is critical because:
- Children transition to “reading to learn,” requiring more efficient visual processing.
- Text complexity increases, demanding better visual endurance and comprehension.
- There’s a greater need for switching focus between near and far distances (e.g., desk to whiteboard).
- Screen time often increases, potentially leading to digital eye strain.
- Growth spurts can sometimes lead to rapid changes in vision, particularly myopia onset or progression.
- Visual skills for sports and other extracurricular activities become more important.
High school years (Ages 13–18)
This is a crucial period for several reasons:
- Increased digital device usage for schoolwork and socialising.
- Changing visual demands with advanced coursework and preparation for higher education or work.
- Participation in sports and other extracurricular activities that may have specific visual requirements.
- Hormonal changes that can affect vision.
During the high school years, it’s particularly important to monitor for:
- Eye strain or fatigue from extended screen time.
- Difficulty transitioning focus between near and far objects.
- Changes in academic performance that might be vision–related.
- Headaches or discomfort during or after visual tasks.
- Any sudden changes in vision clarity or eye comfort.
These checkpoints align with significant changes in how children process visual information and learn to read.
Treatment options for vision issues
The good news is that many vision problems can be effectively treated. Optometrists often recommend two main approaches:
Training lenses:
These specialised lenses help equalise where the child is focusing and pointing their eyes, providing more stable vision. When the page isn’t moving as much, children can concentrate better and retain information more effectively.
Vision therapy:
This may involve eye exercises to improve coordination and focus. While not always necessary, it can be beneficial in some cases.
It’s important to note that most vision issues are related to poor nervous control rather than weak eye muscles. By training the eyes to work properly, a child’s long–term ability to focus on their own without glasses can be improved.
The impact of correcting vision on confidence and learning
Addressing vision problems can have a profound effect on a child’s self–confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Once a child can see more clearly and more comfortably, it often makes them want to engage in their work more.
Consider these potential benefits:
- Increased comfort during reading and close work.
- Better comprehension of written material.
- Improved ability to concentrate for longer periods.
- Greater motivation to read for pleasure.
- Enhanced self–confidence in academic settings.
Parents may find that their children start reading recreationally and doing things outside of school that they’ve never seen them do before.
The importance of regular check–ups
While these critical periods are essential, it’s important to remember that vision can change rapidly as children grow. Regular annual check–ups can catch any developing issues early, ensuring your child always has the visual tools they need to succeed.
Remember, clear vision is not just about seeing the board in class – it’s about giving your child the confidence and tools they need to engage fully with the world around them.
If you notice your child struggling with reading, experiencing headaches, or showing reluctance to engage in close–up tasks, don’t hesitate to consult with your optometrist. With the right support and treatment, you can help your child see their way to a brighter, more confident future.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics. It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg is a Behavioural Optometrist who has been working on the Central Coast for almost 30 years. He is the co–founder at Eyes by Design, which is in the Kincumber Centre. Appointments can be made by phone (02) 4369 8169 or online at www.eyesbydesign.com.au