Category: Children’s eye health

Your Eyes vs. the Australian Summer: How to Prevent Damage From UV Exposure

Posted on by thien

We all know the drill: slip, slop, slap. Australians are world-class at protecting their skin from the sun; after all, we have one of the highest UV indexes on the planet. But while we’re diligent about SPF and hats, there’s one crucial area most of us overlook: our eyes.

Your eyes are incredibly vulnerable to UV damage, yet only a fraction of Australians wear proper eye protection when outdoors. Unlike sunburn, which often leaves painful effects hours after exposure, sun damage to the eyes accumulates silently over the years. That’s the danger, you won’t feel your eyes “burning,” but its cumulative effects can lead to serious, irreversible conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium.

This summer, it’s time to give your eyes the same protection you give your skin. Let’s explore how the sun affects your vision and what you can do to safeguard your eye health for the long term.

How UV rays damage your eyes

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation doesn’t just affect your skin; it penetrates the delicate structures of your eyes, causing damage to the cornea, lens, and retina. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While the ozone layer filters out UVC, both UVA and UVB rays reach the earth’s surface and pose significant risks to your eyes.

Short-term effects can appear within hours of exposure:

  • Photokeratitis: sunburn of the cornea, which may cause pain, redness, tearing, and temporary vision loss
  • Increased light sensitivity and discomfort
  • Inflammation and irritation

Long-term effects develop gradually over years of unprotected exposure:

  • Pterygium: often called “surfer’s eye’ is a fleshy growth on the white of the eye
  • Cataracts: clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the leading cause of blindness worldwide
  • Macular degeneration: damage to the retina, causing permanent vision loss
  • Skin cancer: on the eyelids and surrounding areas

Aussie sunny days call for outdoor sports, gardening, weekend BBQs and arvos at the beach. It also means we’re exposed to far more UV radiation than others. That’s why UV eye protection in Australia isn’t just recommended; it’s essential.

Common signs of UV eye damage

One of the trickiest aspects of sunburned eyes is that symptoms often don’t appear immediately. You might spend a full day at the beach or on the water, only to experience discomfort that evening or the next morning. Watch for these warning signs:

  • Eye pain or a gritty sensation
  • Redness and excessive tearing
  • Blurred or hazy vision
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Swelling around the eyes
  • Temporary vision loss or “halos” around lights

Many people mistake these symptoms for fatigue, allergies, or dry eye. However, if they occur after prolonged sun exposure, UV damage is likely the culprit. While mild photokeratitis typically resolves within 48 hours, repeated episodes contribute to cumulative damage that can’t be undone.

If you experience persistent symptoms, it’s crucial to book an eye examination with Eyecare Plus to assess your vision concerns before they become larger issues.

How to protect your eyes this summer

The good news? Preventing UV eye damage is straightforward when you know what to look for. Here are the essential summer eye health tips to keep your vision safe:

1. Choose quality sunglasses with UV400 protection

Not all sunglasses are created equal. Dark lenses without proper UV protection can actually do more harm than good; they not only give you a false sense of security but can cause your pupils to dilate, allowing more UV rays to enter your eyes.

Look for sunglasses with UV400 protection. They’re rated — by Australian standard AS/NZS 1067:2016 — to block 99% to 100% of both UV rays up to 400 nanometres. Wraparound frames offer extra coverage around the sides of your face to help block UV rays that reflect off surfaces like water, sand and pavement.

2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat

Sunglasses alone aren’t enough. A wide-brimmed hat (at least 7.5cm brim) provides additional shade and blocks UV rays from above. Together, a hat and quality sunglasses can  educe UV exposure to your eyes by up to 98%.

3. Seek shade during peak UV hours

UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, plan outdoor activities outside these hours or stay in shaded areas. Remember, UV rays can penetrate clouds, so protection is necessary even on overcast days.

If you’re unsure whether you need sun protection, check the  reau of Meteorology’s UV index forecast. Anything above a ‘3’ requires sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen at a minimum, and long-sleeve tops and trousers for higher ratings.

4. Consider polarised lenses for glare reduction

If you often spend time near water, in snow, or behind the wheel, polarised lenses can be a huge help. While polarisation doesn’t provide extra UV protection, it significantly reduces glare by filtering horizontal light waves. This makes them ideal for fishing, boating, and beach activities where reflected light can be intense.

5. UV-blocking contact lenses

Many contact lenses now come with built-in UV protection. While they don’t replace sunglasses — they only cover the cornea and lens, leaving the surrounding areas exposed — they provide an additional layer of defence. Ask your optometrist about UV-blocking options at your next fitting.

6. Schedule annual eye examinations

Regular check-ups allow your optometrist to detect early signs of UV damage before it affects your vision. At Eyecare Plus, our comprehensive Checkup Plus™ examinations include assessments for pterygium, cataracts, and other UV-related conditions. Early detection means early intervention, protecting your sight for years to come.

Stay on top of Pterygium — ‘Surfer’s Eye’

If you live near the coast or spend significant time outdoors, you’ve likely heard of pterygium or “surfer’s eye.” This condition involves a fleshy, triangular growth that extends from the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) onto the cornea. While benign, it can cause redness, irritation, and in severe cases, vision impairment.

Pterygium prevention centres on minimising UV exposure and protecting your eyes from wind, dust, and glare. Australia’s combination of high UV index, coastal winds, and outdoor lifestyle makes pterygium particularly prevalent here.

Early-stage pterygium can be managed with lubricating eye drops and continued UV protection. However, if it grows large enough to affect vision or cause persistent discomfort, surgical removal may be recommended. Your Eyecare Plus optometrist can monitor pterygium growth during regular examinations and provide tailored advice on management and prevention.

Why regular eye checks matter

Many severe eye conditions develop without obvious symptoms in their early stages. By the time you notice vision changes, significant damage may have already occurred. This is especially true for UV-related conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Australian summer eye care isn’t just about wearing sunglasses; it’s about proactive monitoring and prevention. Regular eye examinations allow your optometrist to:

  • Identify early signs of UV damage before symptoms appear
  • Recommend appropriate protective eyewear based on your lifestyle
  • Monitor existing conditions like pterygium or early cataracts
  • Provide personalised advice on protecting eyes from UV damage

At Eyecare Plus, we take a thorough, preventative approach to eye health. Our 30-45 minute Checkup Plus™ examinations go beyond basic vision testing to assess your overall eye health and detect potential issues early. With 120+ practices across Australia, you’ll find expert, locally owned optometry care wherever you are.

Enjoy the sun, protect your vision

The Australian summer is meant to be enjoyed, but it doesn’t mean you need to risk your vision in the process. With the right protective measures, you can safeguard your eyes from UV damage while still making the most of the weather.

This summer, make eye protection a non-negotiable part of your sun safety routine. Invest in quality sunglasses, wear a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade during peak hours, and book your annual eye examination. Your future self will thank you.

Ready to prioritise your eye health? Visit your nearest Eyecare Plus optometrist for expert advice on the best sunglasses for your lifestyle and personalised UV protection strategies. Because protecting your vision today means clearer, healthier sight for years to come.

Should Your Child Switch to Contact Lenses? Pros, Cons and When It’s Safe

Posted on by rpacificador

“Oi, you, four eyes.” Does that sound familiar from your schoolyard days? As children become more active and self-aware, many ask to switch from glasses to contact lenses, especially if they’ve received unkind nicknames. For parents eager to protect their youngsters from playground teasing, it raises an important and often complex question: are contact lenses safe for children, and if so, when is the right time to consider them?

Whether for sport, self-confidence, or practicality, contact lenses for kids are more accessible than ever thanks to technological advances and easier application methods. But choosing the right moment to trade in their frames isn’t simply about their age — they and you will need to balance their maturity, lifestyle, and willingness to care for their lenses responsibly to manage your children’s eye health.

While the idea might feel like a big step into big kid territory, many families find the transition smoother than expected, especially with the guidance from your local Eyecare Plus optometrist. Let’s discuss the potential benefits and challenges, and determine whether contacts are the right choice for your child’s vision and lifestyle.

What motivates kids to switch from glasses to contacts

For many adolescents, wearing glasses becomes a routine part of life. However, it can also be a difficult adjustment for many, particularly as they grow older. It might explain why they frequently and supposedly forget them at home. The reasons are often a mix of practicality and personal preference, which can range from:

  • Confidence and self-image: Some children feel more confident without glasses, particularly during social events, photos, public speaking or school.
  • Sports and physical activity: Glasses can slip, fog up, or break, making it harder for them to participate in their favourite games or sports. Contact lenses for kids offer clearer peripheral vision and stay in place, making them ideal for active lifestyles.
  • Discomfort or inconvenience: Kids may find glasses uncomfortable on their nose or ears, especially when worn all day at school.
  • A sense of maturity: Managing their own vision care can give children a sense of responsibility and independence.
  • Curiosity or peer influence: Some simply want to try lenses because friends wear them, or they’ve heard about others making the switch.

Pros and cons of contact lenses for kids

Deciding when is the best age for kids to wear contacts involves weighing the benefits and the challenges for your child’s maturity level and general attitude. While many adapt well and enjoy the freedom they provide, they do come with responsibilities that not every child may be ready for. Here’s what you’ll need to consider.

Pros:

  1. Improved vision for active lifestyles: Contact lenses provide stable, unobstructed vision during play and sport rather and won’t bounce around their face, slip or fog.
  2. Boosted self-esteem: Children who are self-conscious about wearing glasses may feel more confident and comfortable wearing contact lenses in everyday life or social and school settings.
  3. Better peripheral vision: Contact lenses, unlike glasses, cover the entire eye surface and are not impacted by distortions that may occur wearing glasses.
  4. Avoiding lost or broken frames: Parents know the challenge of keeping glasses intact, in their possession and making sure they get worn.
  5. Support for myopia: Special myopia control contact lenses can slow the progression of short-sightedness, offering both vision correction and long-term health benefits.

Cons:

  1. Requires consistent hygiene: Contact lenses must be cleaned and handled correctly to avoid eye infections. You’ll need to supervise their application until they can be trusted to apply them consistently and independently. Daily disposable contact lenses are a good option to consider as they don’t require cleaning.
  2. Not suitable for every child: Your child’s maturity, lifestyle, and ability to follow instructions are crucial in determining whether they’re ready to wear them regularly.
  3. Initial learning curve: Inserting and removing lenses can take time and patience. Some children may initially struggle with touching their eyes.
  4. Ongoing costs: While contact lenses are very affordable, they need frequent and ongoing replacement. Additionally, specialty lenses, like those for myopia control, may cost more, particularly if lenses are frequently lost or damaged.

What’s the best age for kids to wear contacts?

There is no fixed age when your optometrist will prescribe your children their first contact lenses. Their suitability has less to do with how many candles are on their most recent birthday cake. It’s about their maturity, motivation, hygiene habits, and ability to manage their vision care independently.

While it is more common for children to wear contact lenses from the ages of 10 and 11, some may not be ready until their early to mid-teens. Others might adapt easily at a much younger age, particularly with Mum and Dad’s assistance

Are contacts safe for children?

Contact lenses are safe for all age groups, provided they are worn responsibly and are appropriate for your youngster. During your kids’ eye exam, your Eyecare Plus optometrist will review your child’s vision needs and ask about your child’s maturity. Key signs your child may be ready include:

  • They follow instructions well and have a good sense of personal hygiene
  • They’re motivated to wear lenses and understand how to use them properly
  • They can commit to a routine of lens care, insertion and removal
  • They’ve expressed frustration or discomfort with their glasses in everyday life
  • Their myopia is increasing rapidly and they will benefit from the myopia control contact lenses to slow down this progression

When these behaviours are in place, the conversation shifts from “Should they?” to “How can we help them succeed?” That’s when it’s time to schedule an eye exam for kids and speak with your optometrist about whether contact lenses are their preferred vision care.

Contact lenses are one part of your children’s eye health plan

When arranging your child’s first pair of contact lenses, working closely with professional optometrists, such as those at Eyecare Plus, ensures any eye health plan aligns with your child’s current health and evolving visual needs. Our comprehensive eye assessment goes beyond a simple vision check — it offers a complete picture of your child’s ocular health, visual development, and readiness for contact lens use. During your consultation, the optometrist will:

  • Assess the shape and health of the cornea to ensure it can safely support contacts.
  • Measure tear film quality to determine whether the eyes can stay properly hydrated.
  • Review lifestyle habits, including school routines, screen time, and physical activity, to recommend the best lens type.
  • Discuss personal hygiene and maturity to gauge whether your child will likely manage contact lens care independently.
  • Identify whether monthly or daily disposables are the best contact lenses for kids.
  • Demonstrate proper application and removal techniques.

It’s also worth noting that contacts help manage broader kids’ eye health issues. For example, children with progressive short-sightedness may benefit from myopia control contact lenses, designed to correct vision and help slow its deterioration.

Equally important are follow-up visits. These check-ins allow the optometrist to monitor their fit, comfort, and visual clarity, addressing early signs of irritation, misuse, or eye health changes.

Restore vision and confidence with Eyecare Plus

While not every child may be ready right away, many can safely make the transition with the right support, guidance, and lens choice. From self-esteem boosts and sports-friendly wear to the clinical benefits of myopia control contact lenses, today’s lens options are more advanced and accessible. But every child’s eyes are different, that’s why expert, personalised ocular advice matters.

Our experienced optometrists understand what it takes to ensure a safe and successful wear. Whether it’s your child’s first contact lenses or it’s time for an updated fit, we provide expert care that supports them from their very first pair to every one after. Book an eye test today at your local Eyecare Plus clinic and give your child the support they need to see clearly and live confidently.

Myopia in Children: Testing and Treatment Recommendations for Parents

Posted on by thien

Myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, can impact a child’s eye health and their ability to clearly see distant objects. This condition—where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects remain in focus—can significantly impact a child’s learning and development. Early detection and management of myopia are therefore fundamental in ensuring that your child maintains good eye health so they can continue doing all the things they enjoy—including playing with friends, learning at school, and all their other fun activities.

There are a few signs to look out for if you believe your child has myopia. There are also a number of strategies you can implement to prevent and mitigate myopia from developing, including booking an appointment with your local optometrist. For more information on myopia, how you can spot it, and how you can help your child if you believe they are developing myopia, continue reading.

What is myopia?

Myopia is an eye condition characterised by blurry vision when looking at distant objects. This condition occurs when light rays entering the eye do not focus directly on the retina but instead fall in front of it. Essentially, this is due to the elongation of the eyeball or changes in the natural lens of the eye, affecting the way light rays are refracted within the eye. With a better understanding of myopia, what causes it and how it can be treated in children, you can begin to seek treatment for your child so they can see the world around them more clearly.

Types of myopia

There are two types of myopia: refractive myopia and axial myopia.  These classifications are each based on different underlying causes of the condition:

  • Refractive myopia occurs when the cornea and the natural lens inside the eye have too much focusing power compared to the length of the eye. This imbalance causes light rays to converge before they reach the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision.
  • Axial myopia, on the other hand, is caused by the elongation of the eyeball itself. In this type of myopia, the eye grows longer than normal from front to back, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface. This type of myopia is more closely associated with progressive myopia, where the elongation can continue over time, potentially leading to high myopia.

Beyond these two classifications of myopia, there are other types of myopia that fall within these categories:

  • Simple myopia: This is the most common type of myopia. It is often caused due to a minor refractive error and can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
  • High myopia: This severe form of myopia increases the risk of eye health complications, such as retinal detachment. It often requires more specialised intervention to manage effectively, beyond glasses or contact lenses.
  • Degenerative myopia: Also known as pathological or progressive myopia, this rarer form of myopia worsens over time, potentially leading to vision loss. It’s important to monitor closely due to its association with various eye health issues.
  • Induced myopia: Certain environmental factors can result in or exacerbate myopia, such as diabetes. Induced myopia may fluctuate over time, and in some cases can be reversed.

What causes myopia in children?

The development of myopia in children can be attributed to both genetic and environmental factors.

If one or both of a child’s parents have myopia, then the child is at a higher risk of also developing myopia. Environmental factors that can also affect myopia, such as spending excessive time reading, using smartphones or tablets, or spending little time outdoors, have been shown to contribute to increasing rates of myopia in children.

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for parents and caregivers to take preventive measures and seek early intervention for their children’s eye health.

Genetics

Family history can play a big part in child myopia. Children with one or both parents who are myopic have a higher chance of developing myopia themselves.

Prevention: While you can’t change your child’s genes or what traits you pass down to them, regular eye exams can help detect myopia early on. This allows for a timely intervention.

Limited outdoor activity

Spending little time outside has been linked to an increased risk of children developing myopia. This is because natural light and focusing on distant objects outdoors can affect eye development for children.

Prevention: Encourage children to spend more time outside each day to support healthy eye development. Of course, it’s also important to make sure you’re taking factors such as sun safety into account.

Excessive near work

Activities that require focusing on close objects for prolonged periods, like reading, and using smartphones or tablets, can strain the eyes and may contribute to myopia progression. Close work can increase the demand on the eye’s focusing system, potentially leading to the elongation of the eyeball, which is a characteristic of myopia.

Prevention: It can be tough to get your child off their smart device. But ensuring that your child takes regular breaks during near work to take the strain off their eyes can help to prevent myopia.

Poor lighting

Insufficient lighting requires the eyes to work harder to focus, causing the eyes to strain. Playing on a smart device or reading in poorly lit conditions can cause eye strain and may contribute to the development of myopia in children.

Prevention: When your child is reading or doing their homework, make sure they have plenty of lighting to help reduce eye strain. This could be from a natural light source or from a lamp or room light that gives them plenty of visibility.

Signs and symptoms of myopia

Myopia in children can manifest through several observable signs. Recognising these symptoms early is vital for prompt intervention, ensuring that measures can be taken to support the child’s eye health.

These are just three common signs and symptoms that your child may have myopia.

Squinting

When children squint, they are trying to minimise the amount of light entering their eyes, which can temporarily improve their focus on distant objects. Squinting is a common sign of myopia and indicates that the child is struggling to see clearly. Parents might notice their child squinting when trying to focus on the television, the blackboard in school, or when attempting to identify distant objects during outdoor activities.

Frequent headaches

Regular headaches can often accompany myopia in children. These headaches typically result from the strain of trying to focus on images that appear blurry. The eye strain puts continuous pressure on the eyes, leading to discomfort around the forehead and temples. If your child frequently complains of headaches, especially after reading, watching TV, or spending time on the computer, it might be time to schedule an eye examination with your local Eyecare Plus optometrist.

Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly

A clear indicator of myopia is when a child has trouble seeing distant objects. They may struggle to read signs or see details from far away that others with normal vision can see easily. As a parent, you may notice that your child is having difficulty paying attention to distant details or needs to sit closer to the television to see clearly.

 

Myopia treatment and management options for children

Myopia can significantly impact a child’s eye health and quality of life if it’s not addressed soon enough. In certain severe cases, such as high myopia, there’s an increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration—all of which can potentially cause blindness in middle age. This is why it’s so important to monitor your child for signs of myopia and intervene if you notice some telltale symptoms.

If your child does develop myopia, then there are a number of ways you can help mitigate its progression and still ensure your child is not missing out on any of the essential parts of their childhood by using specially designed spectacle lenses, contact lenses and eye drops.

Glasses and contact lenses

For children diagnosed with myopia, contact lenses and glasses are the primary methods for vision correction. Depending on your child’s age, they may feel more comfortable with a pair of glasses or contact lenses. At Eyecare Plus, we have a wide range of different styles of glasses to choose from, so your child is sure to find a pair they love. We also have different types of contact lenses available, including daily contact lenses and monthly contact lenses.

Lifestyle adjustments

Incorporating lifestyle adjustments, such as increasing outdoor activities and taking regular breaks from close work, can play a significant role in managing myopia. These simple changes are recommended to help slow the progression of myopia, offering an easy and non-invasive approach.

Monitoring symptoms and seeking professional care

Regular eye examinations are crucial for monitoring the progression of myopia and adapting treatment plans as needed. At Eyecare Plus, we recommend that children have their first eye test at the age of one. Then, it’s recommended for them to be tested again at ages three and five. It’s important to make sure your child has their eyes tested before they start school so they can get the most out of their education.

With regular eye tests from a trusted professional, you can effectively monitor your child’s eye health and ensure they’re not showing any signs of myopia. And if they do begin to show symptoms, there are many ways you can begin to address these issues. Consulting with a trained Eyecare Plus eye specialist is a great place to begin, as they can advise you on the most suitable treatments for your child.

Find your nearest optometrist today and book an appointment with Eyecare Plus.

Protecting your eyes in summer

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

Sunglasses for summer

Australians, as everyone knows, love summer. More than 85% of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the beach, and we take full advantage of that – as summer approaches, the most talked about topic is always which beach we plan to go to.

Unfortunately, there is a downside. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be dangerous to unprotected skin – and to unprotected eyes. It is a message that has taken Australians a long time to learn.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and sun damage is the leading cause of visual impairment in Australia.

It is well known that long-term exposure to UV rays can cause serious damage to our eyes. Vision impairments, like macular degeneration, ocular melanoma or cataracts – a clouding of the lenses – are common complications. In the short-term, over-exposure to UV rays can cause ‘snow-blindness’ – a condition known as ‘photokeratitis.’

Our attitudes about sun protection are changing, and healthy sun behaviours are becoming more and more common.

Even though rates for skin cancer are declining, it is not the case for eye damage caused by the sun.

Today, experts predict a sharp rise in the number of Australians who will develop cataracts in the next 20 year

Eye Cataracts

There are many possible causes of cataracts, but prolonged overexposure to the sun has been determined as a major factor. This doesn’t happen in one afternoon at the beach without sunglasses, cataracts are built up cumulatively, through years of repeated overexposure. That is why small measures, like developing sun-safe habits are so important.

The 5 S’s of sun safety

Launched in 1981, the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide’ campaign by the Cancer Council of Australia has become a regular part of every Australian summer. It is one of the most successful public health campaigns in the world, and it is a message that we, at Eyecare Plus, strongly support and encourage.

Remember to…

Slip on clothing that provides a barrier between you and UV rays.  

Slop on sunscreen, preferably SPF30+ and reapply every two hours.

Slap on a hat that shades the whole face – a proper hat can reduce the amount of UV rays that reach your eyes by 50%.

Seek the shade of trees, bushes or pergolas and shade sails. Babies under 12 months should always be kept out of direct sunlight.

Slide on some close-fitting sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard for UV protection.

Sun protection for kids

The risk of eye damage from over exposure to UV rays is particularly high for children, so the earlier they develop the habits of protecting their eyes, the better.

When selecting sunglasses for children, remember that the most important thing is: do they provide sun protection?

Choose sunglasses that fit closely to the child’s face – wraparounds are often the best option.

Avoid toy sunglasses or sunglasses bought at costume shops for dress-ups. They may look funny or cool, but they won’t help at the beach.

Schedule an appointment with Eyecare Plus

Sunglasses don’t have to be pricey to be effective. In Australia, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) established a mandatory safety standard for all sunglasses and spectacles sold in the country. It goes by the official designation of ‘AS/NZS 1067.1:2016.’

Admittedly, it is not easy to remember ‘AS/NZS 1067.1:2016,’ however, it is easy to remember that all sunglasses sold at Eyecare Plus locations meet these standards and they can be trusted to provide the protection you need.

Be sure to speak with your Eyecare Plus optometrist or optical assistants at your local Eyecare Plus location. Let them know about the types of sunglasses you are looking for and how you intend to wear them – there are different categories for sunnies across a range of activities: for beach and sport, for driving and for fashion.

Eyecare Plus will be able to best advise you on what to wear and when to wear it to ensure you make the most out of this summer – and many summers to come.

The 7 Common Childhood Eye Problems

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

It is important for a child’s development that they get their eyes checked regularly.

A child’s eyes grow and develop rapidly in the early years. Detection of eye problems early on will reduce potential long-term vision problems which can lead to problems in the child’s school performance, social interaction, and self-esteem.

One in five children live with undiagnosed eye conditions.

Here are seven common childhood eye conditions that an eye exam can detect. Whilst most conditions are rare, only a regular eye exam can catch them early.

Your Eyecare Plus optometrist has the experience and skill to detect and treat these conditions.

1. Refraction

When the eye has trouble bending light to reach the retina (back of the eye), this leads to blurry vision. Your Eyecare Plus optometrist will look for refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness), astigmatism (imperfect curve of the cornea) or hyperopia (longsightedness).

2. Eye injuries

Children are prone to accidents, and this includes eyes. Common eye problems are a scratched cornea or a foreign body in the eye, such as wood or glass or metal shavings.

3. Paediatric Glaucoma (congenital)

Glaucoma is associated with high pressure within the eye which can damage the optic nerve. Early detection and treatment are essential for positive outcomes.

4. Paediatric Cataracts

A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Usually associated with older adults, it sometimes occurs in newborns.

5. Conjunctivitis

More children than adults get conjunctivitis, which is an infection that causes redness of the white part of your eyes. It can be contagious, or it may be caused by an allergy.

6. Strabismus

Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, when one eye may be turned outward, or inward or upward or downward. If detection and treatment is delayed, it can lead to a condition called amblyopia (‘lazy eye’) and cause vision loss.

7. Amblyopia

Also known as ‘lazy eye,’ amblyopia results from a miscommunication between the eyes and the brain, leading to one or both eyes developing abnormally. Approximately three out of every 100 children have it. If detected early, amblyopia treatment has a high success rate.

Our Commitment to You

Eyecare Plus is committed to patient care.

To ensure we follow correct COVID protocols patient appointments times are staggered to prevent over-crowding or long queues in the waiting rooms.

All Eyecare Plus, optometrists, dispensers and staff wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks and eye protection.

All Eyecare Plus locations undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures and all optometrists, dispensers and staff are vaccinated.

All patients are required to wear a mask to appointments. If you don’t have a mask, we will provide one for you.

We care about your family’s overall health.

Contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist to book an appointment.

Paediatric Eye Health

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

It is important for children to have regular eye checks.

Few things are as important as vision in the development of a child. Yet even though most parents agree that early detection and treatment of vision problems is the key to prevent vision loss, only 32 per cent of Australian children under 14 have had an eye test.

During the early years of a child’s life, their eyes grow and develop rapidly. Detection of childhood eye problems early will reduce potential long-term problems while making the effects of treatment faster and more effective.

Vision problems can lead to issues in the child’s school performance, social interaction, and self-esteem. Undetected vision disorders can turn into serious problems in adulthood and have serious implications for the child’s future.

Vision Screening vs Eye Examinations

It is important that your child’s eye examination is conducted by a qualified optometrist.

In general, when a paediatrician does a pre-school vision screening, their goal is to determine if there is any need for further evaluations. It’s a good start, but only an optometrist has the clinical tools and training to conduct a thorough evaluation of your child’s eye health.

Sometimes vision screenings can give parents a false sense of security about their child’s eye health. Parents wrongly assume that because their child’s vision is 6/6, there is no need for an eye exam. Only a comprehensive eye examination will test how well your child’s eyes work together, their ability to focus and it will detect any evidence of colour vision problems.

Even the most attentive parent is unable to detect a vision problem. Unlike a physical condition, vision problems are difficult to identify. At the same time, children rarely report vision problems because they naturally assume that what they are seeing is normal.

Eye Tests for Children

Eyecare Plus optometrists, who are trained to conduct paediatric eye tests, know that sometimes the experience can be scary for children, so they take steps to ensure that their little patients feel comfortable and relaxed.

Some of the child eye tests are like games, the charts have specially designed pictures and shapes and there are kid-friendly devices used for measurements and important readings.

Of course, parents can stay with their child throughout the eye exam.

Myopia Prevalence

Every parent should be aware of the most common eye conditions that affect children as well as their symptoms. However, in recent years, no eye condition has caused as much concern as the rapid rise of myopia (or shortsightedness).

Myopia usually starts in childhood and progresses as children mature. When a person has myopia, they can see things that are close, but things far away are blurry.

Reduce Screen Time and Increase Green Time

The main contributing causes of myopia are excessive screen time and lack of time outdoors. Most parents are already concerned about this behaviour, but over the last two years things have gotten worse. The way families have learned, socialised, and entertained themselves has made dependence on screens almost inescapable.

To help restore some life balance and limit the large amount of exposure children have to their screens we recommend applying the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes your child spends looking at a screen, ask them to look at an object in the distance, 20 feet away (or 6 metres away), for 20 seconds. This simple exercise will give their eyes a break.

Myopia is a progressive condition – which means it continues to get worse without intervention. However, if detected early enough, there are many ways to slow the progression.

Your Eyecare Plus optometrist will be able to offer you a myopia management option that best fits the lifestyle of your child.

Eye Exam Timeline

Since children’s eyes and visual system develop rapidly, early detection and treatment of vision disorders is important. Children with amblyopia, strabismus or significant myopia may suffer long-term consequences if their conditions are undetected at an early age.

  • Age: Six months.

Common eye tests for the six-month-old include assessments for colour vision, depth perception and focusing ability.

  • Age: Three.

A regular eye test, with special symbols is conducted, as well as tests for amblyopia, retina health and eye alignment. (Since symbols are used, the child does not need to know how to read for these tests).

  • Age: 5-6.

Tests to ensure that the child has the visual skills they need to perform well in school.

Additionally, it is recommended that school age children have annual eye tests.

The time it takes to conduct a comprehensive eye test will vary from child to child. Most likely, it will last approximately 45 minutes. Parents can stay with their child throughout the eye exam.

Although there may be out-of-pocket fees, the cost of providing eye care treatment later will be higher than the cost of diagnosing and treating them now. And most importantly, if left to worsen, these conditions will impact the vision and well-being of the child.

Scheduling a regular eye test with an Eyecare Plus optometrist is the best first step.

All Eyecare Plus locations undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures and all optometrists, dispensers and staff are vaccinated.

We care about your family’s overall health.

Contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist to book an appointment.

Preventing Myopia Progression

Posted on by ECP Manager

Myopia (or near-sightedness), is one of the most common vision disorders in the world.

More than 90% of myopia cases develop in early childhood. The good news is that there are steps parents and children can take to protect a child’s vision from deteriorating.

Of all factors that contribute to myopia progression, environmental factors play the most significant role.

Whilst research indicates that our genes are partly responsible for myopia as it tends to run in families (a person with one short-sighted parent has three times the risk of developing myopia or six times the risk if both parents are short-sighted), it is environmental factors that are driving the increase of myopia worldwide, especially in countries where children do not spend much time outside.

We cannot do anything about our genetics, but we can do something about environmental influences which play an important role in the health of a child’s eyes.

Are Screens to Blame?

Screen time is a massive contributor.

As technology improves, kids are using their devices more than reading hard copy books.

Because it is a passive process, we see kids glued to their screens for extended periods.

The majority of Australian children are spending significantly more than the recommended two-hour daily screen-time limit watching television, on computers (including mobile devices) and playing electronic games.

The statistics paint a disturbing picture.

At the vulnerable pre-school age of four to five, studies show that children already average more than two hours on a screen each day. By 12 to 13, this increases to more than three to four hours a day.

To put this into perspective, this means that in early adolescence up to 30% of a child’s waking time is spent in front of a screen. A figure that ramps up significantly when a child gets older as their screens become more of a lifeline to their friendship groups.

Kids are now spending as much as seven hours per day on a screen. Their eyes have never had to work so hard, with more children than ever developing myopia.

We need to help our kids adjust how they use technology, encourage, and empower them to develop healthy device habits.

What are the Symptoms of Myopia (Near-sightedness)?

  1. Screwing up their eyes or squinting to see objects in the distance
  2. Having difficulty seeing the blackboard/whiteboard at school
  3. Sitting close to the television or needing to sit at the front of the classroom.

What Can We Do to Prevent Myopia?

Kids experience digital eyestrain as much as adults. They can experience dry eye, headaches, and blurry vision. These symptoms can be temporary, frequent, or persistent.

Whilst screens are an everyday part of life it is important for kids to break up the long periods of time they spend on their screens.

  1. 20-20-20 rule

To help restore some life balance and limit the large amount of exposure they have to their screens we recommend applying the 20-20-20 rule.

For every 20 minutes your child spends looking at a screen, ask them to look at an object in the distance, 20 feet away (or 6 metres away), for 20 seconds. This simple exercise that will give their eyes a much needed break.

  1. Get Kids Outside

Spending more than two hours outdoors each day will significantly help your child reduce the risk of developing myopia.

If your kids are outside playing, encourage them to look around and use that full range of vision every day.

  1. Put The Device Down!

Spending too much time indoors and performing a lot of near vision work without a break on a screen plays a substantial role in increasing the risk of developing myopia.

  1. Early Detection Creates Prevention

Early diagnosis and intervention are the keys to slowing the progression of myopia.

To do that, contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist for your child to have their eyes examined. If they do not have a vision condition, fantastic! If they do, your Eyecare Plus optometrists will work out a management plan to make sure their vision does not get worse.

What is Myopia (Near-sightedness) and What are the Symptoms?

Posted on by ECP Manager

Vision impairment due to uncorrected myopia is on the rise.

Myopia (also known as near-sightedness) is one of the most common vision disorders in the world. It is a leading cause of blindness in the world and a leading cause of visual impairment in children.

The projections of the global prevalence of myopia are staggering; predicted to rise from 28% to 50% of the world’s population by 2050.

More than 90% of myopia cases develop in early childhood but the good news is that there are steps parents and children can take to protect a child’s vision from deteriorating.

There has never been a more important time to be informed about myopia and make healthy vision decisions.

What is myopia?

Myopia is an eye condition involving abnormal elongation of the eyeball or curvature of the cornea, (the clear window at the front of the eye).

Myopia affects your distance vision; you can see objects that are close quite clearly, but have trouble viewing objects that are far away.

Even though teenagers and adults can develop myopia it usually begins in school-age children and can continue to progress until the eye stops growing.

Why the Urgency?

The reason why there is such a level of urgency around the myopia message is that the earlier myopia starts in a child’s life, the more likely it is that it will progress to high myopia, where there is an increased risk of permanent vision loss through glaucoma, cataract, and problems with the retina; the sensor layer at the back of the eye.

Myopia needs to be taken seriously, particularly at a young age.

What are the Symptoms of Myopia (Near-sightedness)?

  1. Screwing up their eyes or squinting to see objects in the distance
  2. Difficulty seeing the blackboard/whiteboard at school
  3. Sitting close to the television or needing to sit at the front of the classroom.

Early diagnosis and intervention are the keys to slowing the progression of myopia.

To do that, contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist for your child to have their eyes examined.

If they do not have problems with their vision, brilliant! If they do, your Eyecare Plus optometrist will work out a management plan to make sure their vision does not get worse.

Myopia is projected to become a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness. We can help our children by taking action early.

Children Vision: Balancing Screen Time and Green Time

Posted on by ECP Manager

One of the most common questions parents ask of their optometrist is, “how much screen time is too much for children?”

When Optometry Australia surveyed parents about their children and screen time they discovered that 44 per cent of Australian parents are worried about the effects of screen time on children’s eyesight whilst nearly 75% believe that too much screen time can damage our vision.

Today, nearly 25 percent of school children have a vision problem significant enough to impact their learning.

Your child’s eyes are critical to both their learning and development. Most of their learning comes from what they see, so it is important that they understand how to look after their eyes.

One of more tangible areas we can help look after the eyes of our children is with screen time.

Too much screen time has an impact on children’s eyes and has been associated with vision problems such as eye strain (sore eyes) and myopia (short-sightedness). Not only this, it also contributes to poor physical, social and intellectual development.

Green Time

Whilst screen time has become a way of life for most school aged children, it is important for their development that they have the right balance between screen time and green (outdoor) time.

Australian research shows that increased exposure to outdoor light will help reduce the early onset of myopia in children, whilst a study from overseas confirmed that time outdoor in natural light can slow the progression of myopia.

Myopia (short-sightedness) is growing rapidly among children and predicted to reach epidemic proportions with half the world’s population forecast to be impacted by 2050.

It becomes a greater problem the longer children spend in front of their screens, reducing the time they spend outside.

Research indicates that being outdoors in natural light for less than an hour a day can increase the risk of myopia; whilst for those with myopia, if they increase time outdoors myopia progression can be reduced.

Therefore, it is important that whenever a child is using a screen, they need to have a proportionate amount of green time.

To help prevent myopia from developing and progressing, it is recommended that children should spend one to two hours a day outside.

It is important for a child’s health, learning and emotional development to help them find the right balance between screen time and green time. To do this, follow three simple digital device tips for better eye and general health.

Top 3 Digital Device Tips

  1. Screen Time: Monitor and Reduce

It is recommended that school-aged children limit sedentary leisure screen time to two (2) hours per day. For children under five years of age it should be under one hour per day.

  1. Green Time: Outdoor Fun

Balance your child’s screen time by encouraging them to spend more than one, preferably two hours a day (or at least 11 hours per week) doing activities outdoors, having fun!

  1. 20-20-20 Rule

To help restore some life balance and limit the large amount of exposure children have to their screens apply the 20-20-20 rule.

Every 20 minutes your child spends looking at a screen, ask them to look at an object in the distance, 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. This is a simple eye exercise that will give their eyes a much needed break.

Green time is both available and beneficial for all children. We need to encourage our kids to put their screen down after 20 minutes and look into the distance for a count of 20, or better still head outside and enjoy fun unstructured outdoor activities.

The Importance of Kids Eye Tests

Posted on by ECP Manager

Good vision is critical to your child’s development and performance at school.

According to Optometry Australia’s 2020 Vision Index report, almost 80% of Australian parents believe their children have great eyesight, however, alarmingly, nearly 32% of parents have never taken their child to an optometrist for an eye test.

Of the 68% of children who have had their eyes examined by an optometrist, 35% have required prescription glasses.

Optometry Australia is urging parents to take their children to have their eyes tested regularly and certainly at least before they start back to school.

“The first test of the year should be an eye test,” says Luke Arundel, Chief Clinical Officer, Optometry Australia.

One in five children will be going back to school with undetected vision problems which can affect their ability to learn, problems which can easily be picked up by your local optometrist.

Early Intervention

Having an eye test at the beginning of the school year is crucial in being able to uncover eye problems early, well before your child mentions that the words in their book look blurry or they cannot see the school board.

An optometrist can test, diagnose, and manage any visual dysfunction that may co-exist with a child’s learning difficulty diagnosis. Vision, either poor sight or poor efficiency in skills, may affect a child’s cognitive ability and interfere with their learning.

Without knowing, your child could be struggling with vision problems which can impact their ability to read, their speed of reading, fluency, concentration, and comprehension well before you know they have a problem. Early intervention by your local optometrist is important in helping them remove this significant obstacle to their learning.

Vision problems such as poor focusing, poor eye teaming, poor eye tracking and uncorrected refractive error (one of the leading causes of amblyopia or lazy eye) can interfere with learning and potentially result in in poor school performance.

Whilst vision problems may not always be the direct cause of learning disorders, they can have an impact on your child’s ability to perform to their potential. Students with learning challenges may require a multidisciplinary approach from a team of people including teaching staff and health care professionals.

Warning Signs Of Child Vision Problems

How do you know if your child has good or poor vision?

 There are some important signs of possible vision problems in your child that parents should look out for, including:

  • Difficulty reading, such as skipping and confusing words or using their finger when reading
  • Holding a book very close or sitting too close to the television
  • Tilting or turning their head to one side when looking at something
  • Complaints of headaches and blurred or double vision
  • Squinting, or having difficulty recognising things or people in the distance
  • Difficulty focusing on a moving object such as a ball being thrown in their direction
  • Eyes turning inwards, outwards, or sidewards

It can be hard to tell if your child has good or poor vision especially when they are very young and nonverbal.

It is important to not assume that your child has good distance and near vision. Your optometrist can do age appropriate vision tests for your child so they can diagnose ocular health problems, refractive errors, and/or binocular dysfunctions early.

Screen Time

As extended near work on digital devices have been associated with eye strain (sore eyes) and myopia (short-sightedness) a common question asked by parents is how much screen time is appropriate for children.

You can break it down into two simple guidelines:

  • Monitor and Reduce screen time: it is recommended that school-aged children spend less than two hours per day of leisure screen time
  • Spend 11 plus hours per week doing outdoors activities: Balance the child’s activities with lots of outdoor sport such as soccer, cycling, walking, etc
Regular Kids Eye Tests

A comprehensive eye test by an optometrist will assess visual efficiency skills which can have a direct impact on learning and your child’s potential in the classroom.

Kids will often not complain about vision problems because they will feel that that what they are living with is normal. By getting their eyes checked you will be able to discover a problem if one exists well before it becomes a bigger problem.

No child is too young to get their first eye test!

Contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist to book an eye test for your child at the start of the school year. A Medicare rebate is available for all infants and children.

 

Thank you to Dr SooJin Nam for her direction and input with this article.

Dr SooJin Nam has a special interest in children’s vision, myopia control and learning difficulties, in particular, the impact vision has on learning and concentration. She understands the concerns parents have when told that their child has poor vision. She understands that selecting the first pair of spectacles for your kids can be a daunting experience. Dr Nam and her practices have been the recipient of many business awards over the years.

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