Take time this half term for children’s eye exam, Staffordshire opticians urge families
Opticians in Staffordshire have advised parents to focus on your children’s eyesight and book an eye exam this half term holiday to safeguard their sight for the future.
With most children off school for a week in February, the teams at independent practices Carolyn Parker Optometrists in Crown Bridge, Penkridge and Micher-Lockett Opticians in Stafford Street, Stafford have said it is the perfect opportunity for families to book an eye exam, even if their children are not experiencing any eye or sight issues.
Experts recommend that children should have regular eye exams every one or two years, or as recommended by their optometrist, from the age of three or four.
Eye exams can detect a number of eye problems, including childhood cataracts, lazy eye, short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia) and colour blindness.
The sooner any eye problem is found, the sooner children can receive treatment.
Director of both practices, Nigel Terry, said: “We can’t stress enough how vital it is that children have regular eye exams. Many children will not be aware they have problems with their vision, so it may go undetected, meaning that valuable time to treat and support them is lost. In addition, vision issues can impact children’s development and learning.
“Our warm, welcoming approach helps to reassure children who may be feeling anxious about their first eye exam, so they’re happy to return.”
The plea follows a recent joint report from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, The College of Optometrists and the Optical Suppliers’ Association, which found that nearly one in 10 parents or carers only take their child for their first visit to the optician if and when an eye health or vision issue arises.
The report also revealed many parents are unsure where to get help if their child experiences problems with their eyes or eyesight.
In addition to booking an eye exam during half term, families have also been encouraged to spend time outdoors where possible during the holiday, as studies have shown that children who spend sufficient time outdoors are less likely to be or become short-sighted.
Spending time outdoors also means less screen time which can be beneficial for sight – a recent study found that an additional hour of daily screen time is, on average, linked to 21% higher odds of having myopia.
Nigel said: “There are several theories about why spending time outdoors can help to protect against myopia, or why screen time may make it worse. One is that sunlight boosts dopamine levels in the eye, which controls the growth rate of the eye. Another theory is that shorter viewing distances may stimulate abnormal growth of the eye.
“Families can help support the health of their children’s eyesight by encouraging regular screen breaks and heading outdoors this half term.”
To book an eye exam at your local independent optician, visit bookaneyetest.co.uk
