Vision Eye Care - The Key to Children's Development

Our eyes have been said to be the windows through which we view the world. The eye is a complicated organ which detects light and sends electrical impulses along the optic nerve to the visual and other areas of the brain. It has been found that up to 85% of the total sensory input to the brain is created from our sense of sight. Sight is often taken for granted with the value of good sight not being appreciated until an occurrence threatens it. Nevertheless, their location, on the outside of the face makes them susceptible to trauma, environmental chemicals, particles, and infectious agents. Recent surveys indicate that of the five senses, vision is the one that people fear losing the most.

Given the important function our eyes perform for us, it seems obvious to provide the best care possible for them.

With age comes the increasing chance of eye problems developing, often gradually without any apparent indication that the problem is even present or progressing. Regular vision eye care allows the early detection of any irregularities in the eyes appearance and performance, with early detection being the vital key to resolving any developing problem. According to a prominent New Zealand optometrist specialising in vision eye care, approximately 1,500 New Zealander's lose their sight every year. However, it is not only aging that should prioritise eye care, as much research has been conducted in the area of children's eye care and its relation to learning difficulties.

It is recommended that children have their eyesight checked regularly in response to concerns relating to the development of eye functions and its direct effect upon learning abilities and progress. Specific learning related sight problems are classified into three types. The first two affect visual input and are termed refractive problems and functional eyesight problems respectively, with the third category, termed perceptual eyesight problems, which affects visual processing and integration. In selecting a vision eye care specialist, it is imperative to note that a regular eye examination only evaluates the first of these categories of eyesight problems, and a specialist who is experienced in children's sight problems should be sought.

The importance of vision eye care in New Zealand has been widely recognised and many cooperative campaigns between the public and private sectors have sought to create awareness and provide free and subsidised eyesight examinations for children aged between eight and thirteen years of age. A prime example of this is the recent 'Save our Sight' campaign run in conjunction with vision eye care specialists and the New Zealand Association of Optometrists.