Does your child need glasses?

One in six children has a vision problem that needs correction, according to Christine Parsons of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and many of these problems -- such as lazy eye or turned eye -- can be treated successfully if they are caught early enough. However, says Parsons, "before the age of 9, children do not have the experience necessary to know what is normal as far as their vision is concerned; they might think that everyone sees things the way they do."

In addition, Tanya Lambden of the Alberta Association of Optometrists adds, a child's reading difficulties can often be attributed to vision or eye muscle trouble, but these conditions can go undetected for years, if children aren't taken in for regular eye exams.

Here's what you need to know about your child's eye health.

Keeping an eye out
Your child may not be able to tell you directly if he's having trouble with his vision, but there are signs you can watch for. Parsons lists the following common symptoms of vision problems:

• Trouble seeing the TV, or reading signs in the distance
• Squinting or tilting the head frequently
• Regularly bumping into things
• Having one eye turn in or out
• Complaining of headaches, dizziness or nausea
• Avoiding close work
• Frequently losing one's place while reading

Regular exams are a must
While you would probably notice if your vision had deteriorated, your child may not, so it's important to take her to an optometrist for regular eye tests. "Kids can be tested as young as 6 months," says Lambden, "and it is recommended to keep up with annual exams from this point forward -- even if the parents do not notice any problems." Coverage of eye exams varies by province -- many provinces, such as Ontario and Alberta, fund eye exams for children under 19. For information on coverage where you live, contact your provincial association of optometrists.

In addition, says Dr. Deborah Jones, clinic director and head of pediatric and special needs at the University of Waterloo's school of optometry, "it is also critically important to be sure your child has a comprehensive eye health examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist at a very young age. Failure to treat visual problems early may result in poor vision that may not be correctable later." She adds, "Undetected eye disorders may cause children to function poorly in school, impacting them for a lifetime."

While optometrists are qualified to work with patients of all ages, you may wish to choose someone who works frequently with children. "Visiting the optometrist's office beforehand will give you an idea if they reach out to kids," says Michele Leger of the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists. "A waiting room that is kid-friendly, with books, toys and maybe even a separate area from the adults, will let you know they are inviting families to be a part of their office." She also recommends asking friends and coworkers with children for referrals.

Click here to find out if your child's language skills are developing normally.

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