Vision is essential to childhood development, as kids learn new skills and build confidence as they interact with their environment. While screen time habits and outdoor play can affect eye health, genetics lay the groundwork for children’s eyesight. Read on to learn how family history can impact eyesight and what you can do about it from the start.
How family history can impact eyesight
Most eye problems common in children are genetic. Children who have nearsighted or farsighted parents or parents who have astigmatism are more likely to develop these issues themselves. Genetic factors affect how your child’s eyeball forms and grows, the curve of their cornea and how light focuses within the eye.
Genes pass on the characteristics that impact how efficiently your child processes what they see. In some children, the eyes may develop longer than usual, leading to reduced clarity when viewing items at a distance. Other children may develop a curvature in their eye or issues with the muscles in each eye working together. Genetics can play a role in vision problems that don’t reveal themselves until your child reaches school age.

How vision problems can go undetected

Children often don't realise that other kids see the world the way they do. They may assume that everyone sees the world through blurry or strained vision. There are some tell-tale signs that you can look for with your child. They may hold books extremely close to their face or sit too close to the television. Other kids may avoid sports and other activities that require them to see things clearly from a distance.
You may even notice your child simply stops enjoying reading or paying attention in class because it can be a strain to see clearly. Since these issues develop slowly, you may think your child is just lazy or not trying to pay attention. Learning that genes play a huge role in your child’s vision can help you be more alert to these signs. Catching them early can ensure you take them to get their eyes professionally checked before it begins to affect their learning.

Benefits of regular eye checkups

A regular children eye test is one of the best ways to detect vision problems in children. Getting your child’s eyes checked allows the eye specialist to look for issues with your child’s vision specifically. Issues with focusing on objects, eye coordination and developmental delays may be detected during an eye exam. These are things you may not learn at regular checkups with your child's paediatrician. Children with a family history of vision problems should be proactive about having their eyes tested.
Not only will this allow your child to achieve better grades by being able to see the board and their books clearly, but it will also prevent headaches and frustration that come from playing sports or not being able to see clearly. The sooner many vision problems are detected the easier they are to manage. Eyeglasses and various therapies can help your child see clearly from an early age.

Conditions that develop over time

Certain vision conditions can worsen as your child grows. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is very common in children and usually begins when they start school. Nearsightedness can continue to get worse as they progress through puberty. Basic eye exams can track the development of your child’s eyes and allow the eye physician to offer suggestions to try and prevent major changes in your child’s vision. Staying proactive can even include limiting your child’s screen time and ensuring they take breaks from reading and electronics. Making sure your child spends extra time outdoors can also help slow the progression of major vision changes.
If you know your child may have vision problems because of their genes, you can also prepare yourself mentally. Instead of worrying when your child’s vision suddenly gives you a reason to be concerned, you can monitor them as they grow.

Eye healthy habits you can practice at home

Just because your child is at risk for developing vision problems doesn’t mean they can’t have healthy eyes. Simple habits like encouraging your child to take breaks from homework and reading can help. Children should always make sure they have good lighting when reading and when sitting at desks for long periods. Encourage your kids to go outside and play!
Talking to your children about their eyes can also help. Children who know they can talk to you about what they see will let you know if they start experiencing vision issues. Not only will this prevent you from worrying about what your child sees, but it will also make your child feel more comfortable going to the eye clinic. Eye tests are a breeze when you make your child feel comfortable and understand what they need to do.
Armed with knowledge of the hereditary impact on vision, parents can take positive steps. By consulting with qualified professionals sooner and having access to services such as a bulk billed eye test, kids can stay ahead of the curve. Preventive care is more affordable when you take action early. There is a better future and healthier eyesight for kids when we start now.

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