OPTICAL PRISM | FEATURE
Myopia and back-toschool time
Ever-increasing myopia rates another reason to book an eye exam
BY DR . HARRY BOHNSACK , President , Canadian Association of Optometrists
The vast majority of classroom learning is visual , which means that while children are at school , their eyes are constantly in use .
An annual comprehensive eye exam helps to ensure that a child ’ s eyes are ready for all the work they will face over the course of the school year .
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends an annual comprehensive eye exam for children ages six to 19 ( as well as one before a child enters school ).
A comprehensive eye exam ( what optometrists often call a physical for your eyes !) is different from a sight test . Performed by an optometrist , it includes the entire eye and visual system .
A sight test is more limited , measuring only what type of lens you would need if you needed glasses .
While optometrists have long encouraged an annual comprehensive eye exam for children , the ever-increasing rates of myopia ( near-sightedness ) among children is adding some fuel to their fire .
According to a 2018 Canadian study , myopia affects 17 per cent of children aged six to 13 . This figure is increasing , for a number of reasons , one of which will have critical resonance in the post-pandemic era : too much time looking at material up close , including screens and especially when children are young .
Myopia can ’ t be cured , but it can be treated – with glasses or contacts or drops .
However , the longer-term complications of myopia are more problematic because it can dramatically increase the incidence of other eye disease , including retinal detach-
THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF OPTOMETRISTS is the national voice of optometry , providing leadership and support to its more than 5400 members to enhance the delivery of healthy eyes and clear vision for all Canadians .
ments , cataracts and glaucoma .
Another reason for taking a child for an eye exam is that they may not even realize they are having difficulty with their vision , because they may assume everyone is seeing what they are .
However , children experiencing vision difficulties may experience some of the following symptoms :
• headaches or irritability ;
• avoidance of near or distance work ;
• covering or rubbing of the eyes ;
• tilting of the head or unusual posture ;
• using a finger to maintain place while reading ;
• omitting or confusing words when reading ; and
• performing below their potential .
Parents who notice any of these symptoms should take their child for a comprehensive eye exam early in the school year .
This will ensure good vision and optimal performance at school . OP
32 OPTICAL PRISM | September 2021