As a parent, ensuring your child’s overall health is paramount. However, one aspect often overlooked is eye health. Dr. Sophia Capo of A B SEE Optometry and Vision Therapy shares valuable insights into common eye coordination issues and emphasizes the importance of regular eye exams for children.
The importance of early eye exams
Early detection and treatment of eye problems can make a significant difference in a child’s development and learning. Dr. Capo strongly advocates for early and regular eye exams, stating, “The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends eye exams at six months, three years, and before starting school. These check-ups can identify potential issues before they become problematic.”
Understanding convergence insufficiency
One common issue affecting children is convergence insufficiency. Dr. Capo explains, “Convergence insufficiency is essentially difficulty with the way the eyes turn in. When we look at something up close, our eyes need to turn inward. This motion is called convergence.” She notes that about 8% of the population experiences this issue, impacting their ability to focus on close objects and read comfortably.
Children with convergence insufficiency often struggle with reading. “They might complain about words moving on the page, skipping lines, or experiencing headaches,” says Dr. Capo. “These symptoms arise because their eyes have to work extra hard to maintain focus, much like lifting a heavy weight repeatedly.”
Identifying eye coordination problems
Eye coordination issues are not related to the health of the eyes themselves but rather how they work together. “Think of it like dancing. Just because you have two healthy feet doesn’t mean you can dance. It requires coordination,” Dr. Capo explains.
Parents may notice their child struggling with reading or avoiding it altogether. Dr. Capo advises, “If a child says they don’t like reading because it’s hard, it’s worth exploring further. Sometimes, parents are surprised to learn their child has been seeing double or experiencing visual disturbances that they couldn’t articulate.”
Strabismus: Eye turns
Another significant condition is strabismus, where one eye turns either inward (esotropia) or outward (exotropia). “Strabismus can be constant or intermittent,” Dr. Capo explains. “Children with intermittent strabismus may only exhibit symptoms when they are tired or fatigued.”
Strabismus can lead to bullying and self-esteem issues due to its visible nature. Dr. Capo stresses the importance of early intervention, noting, “Surgery can sometimes be required to correct the alignment, but non-surgical options like glasses with prisms can also be effective.”
Amblyopia: Lazy eye
Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, occurs when the brain doesn’t properly connect with one eye. “This can happen if there’s a significant difference in prescription between the two eyes,” says Dr. Capo. “The brain favours the eye with the clearer vision, ignoring the other eye.”
Early detection is crucial for managing amblyopia. “Children rarely complain about vision in one eye being worse because they don’t compare their eyes,” Dr. Capo points out. “Routine eye exams can catch these issues early, allowing for interventions like corrective glasses or eye patching to strengthen the weaker eye.”
Why choose Dr. Sophia Capo for your child’s eye health
Dr. Capo goes above and beyond to ensure comprehensive eye care for children. “I make it a point to ask detailed questions and perform thorough exams to identify any issues with eye coordination and vision,” she says. Her approach helps uncover problems that parents and children might not even be aware of.
For parents concerned about their child’s eye health, Dr. Capo advises scheduling an eye exam even if there are no apparent issues. “Early detection and treatment can prevent long-term problems and support your child’s learning and development,” she emphasizes.
Looking ahead: Vision therapy
Dr. Capo also highlights the importance of vision therapy, a treatment akin to physiotherapy for the eyes. “Vision therapy is the gold standard for treating convergence insufficiency and a secondary treatment for strabismus and amblyopia. It’s a comprehensive approach that can significantly improve a child’s eye coordination and overall visual function,” she explains.
Dr. Capo’s insights underscore the importance of understanding and addressing children’s eye coordination issues. Regular eye exams with a qualified optometrist can identify and manage problems early, ensuring your child has the best possible vision for learning and growing. Make an appointment with Dr. Sophia Capo at ABSee Optometry and Vision Centre to give your child the gift of clear, comfortable vision.
This video series is sponsored by A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy.
