What are the most common eye conditions in children and how can parents spot them?

Your child’s eyes are special. In the early years, vision helps them find out about the world around them, about their home, about you. Later, as they go through school, their eyesight lets them learn and discover — in fact, about 80% of what is taught in schools is presented visually. Being able to see clearly is therefore incredibly important in your child’s overall development. So it’s not surprising that Specsavers takes your child’s eyesight seriously. Every bit as seriously as you do.

“A lot of parents assume that because their child doesn’t display any signs of a vision problem, there’s no need to have their eyes tested”, explains Specsavers’ senior optician Maria McAllister. 

“This couldn’t be further from the truth. Ensuring your child has regular eye examinations from an early age is incredibly important for several reasons. 

“Given more than 80 per cent of our learning, cognitive and social abilities are facilitated through our sight, it’s extremely important to your child’s overall development. Poor eyesight can cause learning and behavioural problems. 

“Conditions such as squinting and amblyopia (lazy eye) can be treated more effectively if they are picked up earlier, which could make a huge difference to your child. 

“Lastly, an eye test doesn’t just check vision. It can also detect other underlying health conditions.”

Eye tests are free for children under the age of 16, but what age should you take your child for their first sight test? And how easy is it to book a test for your little one?

What age should children first visit the optician?

There are tests that can be used on infants and preschool children who cannot read or recognise letters. If you have any concerns about your child’s eyesight, you should contact a local optician who will test their vision.

However, if you have no concerns, it’s perhaps better to wait until your child is a little older — around three-and-a-half years — before taking them for a full eye examination.

Even if your child’s vision seems good, it’s worth taking them for a full eye test at a qualified optician when they reach school age, just to make sure that there aren’t any issues with their vision that are likely to affect their early school years.

Are children’s eye tests free in the UK?

All children under 16, as well as those under 19 in full- time education, are entitled to a free NHS funded eye test. 

Glasses from Specsavers’ kids’ £65 or teens’ £90 ranges are free with an under-16s’ NHS optical voucher, then you can choose a second pair half-price from the same price range or below. Both pairs come with Specsavers single vision lenses with a scratch resistant treatment and UV filter. 

What are the signs a child needs an eye test?

It can be hard to tell if your child is struggling with their vision, which is why regular eye tests are so important. Parents can also be on the lookout for the following telltale signs that could mean your little one has a problem with their sight. 

• Straining their eyes or tilting their head to see better 

• Frequent eye rubbing 

• Losing their place while reading, or using a finger to guide their eyes 

• Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing 

• Falling behind in school 

• Complaining of headaches or tired eyes 

• The presence of a ‘turn’ in the eye or a misdirection of the eyes 

• Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close

• Avoiding activities which require near vision, such as reading or homework, or distance vision, such as participating in sports or other recreational activities

• Closing one eye to read, watch TV or see better

• Avoiding using a computer or tablet because it hurts their eyes

• A ‘white reflex’ in photographs. This is similar in appearance to red-eye, except it’s white. It is extremely serious – if you notice it, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Related: Starting primary school in the UK

How can you book a child an eye test?

There’s more than 930 Specsavers stores in the UK and you can use the location finder online to discover your nearest store. You can easily book online or phone the store directly to speak to a member of the team.

What does a child’s eye test involve?

We know that eye tests can be a little overwhelming for some children — especially if it’s their first time. That’s why Specsavers has made the process as enjoyable and child friendly as possible. 

Their opticians are specially trained to test children’s eyes and they use charts that feature shapes or pictures and they may ask children to match letters, rather than the traditional charts that you may be familiar with. This means that they can test children’s eyes even if they are unable to read or recognise letters.

As well as checking the eyes, Specsavers opticians also look at the muscles and associated structures to ensure they are healthy too.

What are the most common eye problems in children and how can they be treated?

Squints 

A squint is a condition that causes the eyes to point in different directions whilst looking straight ahead. It's most common that an eye will look into the nose but in some cases it can turn outwards. Having a squint can lead to blurred or double vision and may eventually lead to a lazy eye. Around 1 in 20 children suffer with the condition and it typically appears before the age of five years old. 

Squints can be treated by wearing glasses and practising eye exercises with a small object, such as a pencil. If this treatment doesn't work, surgery may be required to move the muscles that control the eye.

Astigmatism 

This is a minor eye condition that happens when the cornea or lens isn't a perfectly curved shape but instead, more like a rugby ball. It can cause blurring or distorted vision. It's a very common condition and can be corrected by wearing lenses and glasses.

Short sightedness 

Being short-sighted means that a person can focus on objects when they are close up but struggle with things that become more blurred when they are further away. Around one in three people are short-sighted and the condition is typically first diagnosed around 12. It can be easily corrected by wearing glasses.

Related: Starting secondary school in the UK

Amblyopia or lazy eye 

Amblyopia is the medical term for a lazy eye. This typically means that one eye is weaker than the other and this causes a person to rely more on their stronger eye. Around 1 in 50 children will develop amblyopic and it can usually be diagnosed at about the age of four during routine eye checks with a qualified optician, or at their developmental screening. 

Glasses to correct the vision will typically be prescribed and often, no further treatment is needed. If the weak eye still doesn't respond fully, a patch may be worn over the good eye for part of the day to force the weaker eye to work harder.

Long-sightedness  

Long-sighted children will be able to see things further away but may experience blurred vision with objects close to them. This may worsen when they're tired. Many children are long-sighted but won't require glasses unless it's impacting their life. 

How damaging is screen time for a child’s eye health?

In the modern world, screens are a big part of our everyday lives and for children, they can even be a useful tool for their education. But how much screen time is too much? 

Extended use of digital screens can impact a child’s eyes and lead to strain, soreness or even contribute to the progression of short sightedness - also known as myopia. 

You can reduce the risk for your child by encouraging regular breaks. Specsavers advises to follow the 20:20:20 rule, which means your child should look away from their screen every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It can help to relax their eye muscles and reduce the chance of strain.

About Specsavers

This year celebrates 40 years since Specsavers opened its first stores and the family-run business now has more than 900 across the UK. It was originally founded by Doug and Dame Mary Perkins, who started the company from their spare room working from a table-tennis table. 

At a time when optical care was hugely costly, Doug and Dame Mary believed that everyone deserved access to high-quality eye care and glasses and their mission revolutionised the industry. Delivering exceptional eye and hearing care for an affordable price remains one of Specsavers core values.

About the author 

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. As a working mum of a toddler, she knows all too well how important it is to have your child’s health and wellbeing checked regularly. That’s why her guides are always written to help make parents’ lives easier.

Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance. Her favourite activity to do with her son is to visit London’s incredible museums and immerse themselves in new exhibits or installations.

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