Anitha Bennett

Several studies show that during the past 20 years, the number of children wearing spectacles has doubled. A chat with Dr. Isai Mitra, ophthalmologist of the I Center, Chennai, who specialises in child ophthalmology is likley to be an ‘eye-opener’ for parents.

How should parents as certain if their chidren need glasses?
A child will seldom tell you that her vision is blurred. It is up to parents to look for tell-tale signs. When children complain of constant headache or pain in the eyes, or start squinting, it’s time to visit the ophthalmologist. Most kids who have a vision problem tend to hold reading material very close to the face, or have difficulty in copying from the blackboard in school. Look for these tell-tale signs.

What’s the next step?
Don’t postpone the visit to an ophthalmologist. In many instances, parents hesitate as wearing glasses can make a child feel self-conscious. A visit to your eye doctor is mandatory every year once your child starts school. Make this a part of your summer schedule even if your children don’t display any of the above symptoms.

What are the causes of so many eye problems?
Several factors are involved. Nutritional deficiencies, too much digital screen time, genetics, environmental factors as well as natural growth of the eye, which changes its curvature .

How can we combat eye problems before they start?
Some preventive action will help. One is to feed children foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots and greens. Another is to let your child get enough outdoor play in the sun for better absorption of vitamin A and D. Make sure she has good lighting when she reads sitting upright in a chair or against a wall, instead of lying down. Protective sunglasses are essential when you go out to avoid UV ray exposure.

Last but not least, limit digital screen time. Your television set should be placed at eye level, and viewers should be seated at least six feet away. Screen time should not exceed more than two hours per day and even that should not be continuous.

How do eye exercises help?
Eye exercises strengthen eye muscles. When your child is engaged in intense study, you can teach him to blink forcefully now and then. This keeps the eyes moist and will reduce itchiness. It will also help her to see clearly and focus better. Your ophthalmologist will give you other eye exercises depending on your child’s needs.

What if the child is too young for glasses?
If vision is not perfect, spectacles become necessary, regardless of age. Child-friendly specs in vibrant colors are available these days. Plastic glasses are very user-friendly, and durable. Encourage and motivate your child to use them without embarrassment. Children adapt more quickly to glasses than adults because they see and appreciate differences in clarity easily. Children should wear contact lenses only when they are old enough to handle them carefully.