"Children's eyesight at risk"

In the same way parents get their children to brush their teeth and have regular visits to the dentist, they should taske steps to protect their children's eyes from harmful UV and have regular eye checks.

A story in yesterday's Observer newspaper highlights a report that suggests "British parents and teachers are unwittingly putting children's eyes at risk by not making them wear sunglasses and not having their sight tested during the critical first eight years".  All children in the UK have the right to free eye tests every two years.

Diagnosing sight problems early is essential in avoid further problems in later life.  Eye tests can spot problems that could otherwise be thought to be learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, or prevent conditions progressing into untreatable sight loss as the child gets older.

New research by the Association of Optometrists estimates that a million children have an undetected sight problem and almost 70% of schools do not have eye screening.  Whilst most schools insist on hats and sunscreen during hot weather, sunglasses are seen as a fashion accessory rather than helping protect a child's health.  Young eyes are susceptible to UV glare which is a major cause of long term damage in later life. Up to haf of all sight loss in later life can be prevented if cuaght early enough.

"The World Health Organisation estimates that, because young people's eyes are more sensitive to UV absorption, up to 80% of a person's lifetime exposure to UV will occur before the age of 18. Under-12s are particularly susceptible because the clear lenses in their eyes are not yet properly formed and one in five parents does not take any measures to protect their children's eyes."

Quote from The Observer, 22 August 2010

The lack of eye tests can mean vision problems go undetected and the child has difficulty learning and their behaviour may be effected, becoming shy and reserved or over comprensating by becoming loud and disruptive.  With many conditions being easily treated, testing a child's eyesight can be essential for their development as well as their future eye health.

The article lists a number of facts about eye health:

■ NHS sight tests are free to children aged up to 18 in full-time education, and help towards the cost of glasses is available.

■ Children do not need to be able to read to have a sight test, as optometrists can use pictures instead of letters.

■ Only 7% of children aged under 5 are taken to the opticians.

■ 15% of secondary schoolchildren have never had their eyes tested.

■ 63% of parents say their children only wear sunglasses on holiday.

■ An eye test can detect health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

■ As children spend more time outside, their eyes receive on average three times more annual UV exposure than adults.

■ A Transitions Optical survey revealed 90% of British people are unaware of the need to protect their eyes from the sun."

Read the full article by clicking here.