Children's Eyecare

Heather Muir has completed further training to ensure Cameron Optometry continues to provide highest level of care to young patients, in particular those transitioning to contact lens wear. Last year optical assistant, Heather Muir completed various qualifications in Child Anxiety and Confidence. Designed to help understand the importance of overcoming negative emotions in children and boosting esteem, this has already been invaluable as Heather helps children grow their confidence in handling their new contact lenses. In a bid to build on her strong foundations in this area, Heather has now added a qualification from Play Therapy UK, the Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills. This course focused on non-directive play techniques, learning new and varied techniques in play therapy. It is designed to help participants provide emotional support to children. In 2017 Cameron Optometry saw a significant increase in the number of young people wearing contact lenses, in particular Myopia Management lenses, which effectively slow the progression of short-sightedness in children. Heather uses her experience and training to support these children as they adapt to contact lens wear, which for many, is totally foreign so they naturally have reservations when making the transition. Heather has worked with children as young as seven who have adapted very well to contact lens wear. She takes a very gentle approach and they can come in as many times as they like, until they, along with their parents, feel totally comfortable taking their contact lenses home. Already this year we have had many parents enquire about Myopia Management contact lenses as awareness of the benefits of these lenses grows, so Heather will continue to put her training to good use. If you would like information on contact lenses for children, please get in touch or book your child in for a free comprehensive eye examination.

Our clinical lead optometrist, Gillian Bruce, is regularly called upon to share her expertise in Myopia Management, reducing the progression of short-sightedness in children, in the UK and further afield. She recently joined other highly regarded eye care practitioners, sharing hands-on experiences of what Myopia Management means to them. The discussion explored their passion for the work, and what myopia management can achieve for patients. You can read the full article here and watch excerpts from the discussions. During the meeting the new MiSight daily disposable contact lenses were discussed, which are now the preferred option for our patients. Many optometrists and opticians still don't inform their patients of the option of Myopia Management contact lenses which is a concern and something we are keen to change, in a bid to increase awareness of the huge benefits of these specialised contact lenses. If you are interested in Myopia Management for your child, you can call the practice on 0131 225 2235 for further information.

Article published on The Scotsman website on Thursday 23rd November 2017 Vision on: myopia care advance revealed Worrying numbers of children are becoming short-sighted. However, there are steps to take now to help make sure your child’s sight lasts a lifetime. The number of young people affected by myopia – short sightedness – is increasing around the world, with a 60 per cent rise in cases in the UK since the 1960s. Indeed, one in every five UK teenagers is now myopic, affecting their vision for day to day life and putting them at greater risk of eyesight problems in later life. It’s a worrying statistic, and as research continues to establish why the numbers are soaring, leading optometrists are urging parents and carers to check for problems, and stay up to date with advice and special contact lenses that can help manage the condition and even slow its progress. What​ ​is​ ​myopia? Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or powerful, causing objects in the distance to look blurred. It often runs in families however it’s not known exactly why it is increasing at such a rapid rate. Children are most likely to become myopic between six and 13 years old, and will go on to need increasingly stronger glasses. However some might not even realise they have problems. As well as impacting on activities such as sport and hobbies, myopia is linked to an increased risk of developing eye diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, myopic degeneration and cataract in later life. According to the UK’s leading lens specialist, Ian Cameron of Cameron Optometry in St Vincent Street, Edinburgh, while the condition is troubling, there are important steps that can be taken to help control its impact. “Myopia management is a relatively new concept which aims to slow the progression of myopia in children through identifying risk factors, making adjustments to lifestyle, specialised contact lenses, and occasionally with specific multifocal spectacle lenses,” he said. “Myopia management contact lenses not only allow your child to see clearly but can slow the progression of myopia by over 50 per cent, and our expertise in contact lenses allows us to provide the most advanced options available based on up-to-date research.” Focus​ ​on​ ​help A vital component in myopia management are contact lenses specially designed to correct a child’s vision by slowing down the elongation and enlargement of the eyeball. Their use means that by adulthood their glasses prescription should be significantly less than if their myopia had been left untreated. Available for children from seven years old, there’s a choice of ‘daytime’ disposable lenses and overnight lenses worn while asleep – often preferred by children who are sporty. “Parents and carers are often surprised at how capable young children are at dealing with their lenses,” adds Mr Cameron. “Our experts help build their confidence in handling, inserting and cleaning, and show them what to do if they have little problems, like something gets in their eye. “It’s only when we’re sure they’re totally confident, that we allow them to take lenses home. We then monitor progress closely. “Interestingly recent research found children in the youngest age category (age eight to 11) the risk or eye infections related to contact lens wear was no higher than it was for adults and in was probably markedly lower.” What​ ​else​ ​you​ ​can​ ​do? Myopia can’t be cured, but limiting close up tasks such as screen time and reading, ensuring plenty of time outdoors in natural light and vitamin D can help reduce the chances of a child becoming short-sighted. Regular eye examinations every year from pre-school age can pick up problems, but look out for a child is who has regular headaches, concentration problems, difficulty reading the school boards or who screws their eyes up to see things further away. “Myopic children can be unaware that they are not seeing as well as they could be, and presume their vision is the same as everyone else,” warns Mr Cameron. “The earlier these first steps are taken, the best chance they have of making a difference.” Award-winning Cameron Optometry is a former AOP Practice of the Year, recognised for its expertise and service. For a free initial Myopia Management assessment, call 0131 225 2235 or email myopia@cameronoptom.com. Read The Scotsman article in full here

As part of National Eye Health Week we are encouraging people to ensure they're giving their eyes the best possible care. Today we're looking at children's vision. Your child’s sight is precious. Good vision helps them to learn, play and communicate with the world around them. Yet, there are more than a million children in the UK with undetected vision problems.* (source: Eye Health UK). Children’s eyes continue to develop until they reach the age of eight, so caring for a child’s eyes in the early years can help lay the foundations for good vision that lasts a lifetime. There are lots of simple things that you can do to help keep kids’ eyes and vision healthy. Essential eye checks Having regular eye tests – annually for under eights and every two years thereafter (unless you’re advised otherwise by your optometrist) is a great place to start. Eye tests will ensure any problems such as childhood conditions like squint and amblyopia (lazy eye) or myopia (short-sightedness) are picked up early. The sooner problems are identified the better the treatment outcome. Remember eye tests are free for all children in full time education. Eat a rainbow Eating a rainbow of colourful fruit and vegetables helps ensure young eyes get the nutrients they need to grow healthily. Foods like tomatoes, melon, grapes and blueberries as well as fish, chicken, eggs and whole grains are packed with eye–friendly nutrients. Be safe in the sun It’s also really important to protect your eyes from the sun. When you’re young the lens at the front of your eye is really clear and lets more of the damaging sunlight inside. If your child is due an eye examination or you have any concerns about their vision, please book in with one of our award-winning optometrists 0131 225 2235. Further information from Vision Matters who runs National Eye Health Week www.visionmatters.org.uk/downloads/kids-eye-health-leaflet-nehw-2017-no-bleed.pdf

Pre-school vision screening should not negate the need for a comprehensive pre-school eye examination. In Scotland, we are fortunate that all children receive a Pre-School Orthoptic Vision Screening (POVS) the year before starting school. These are helpful tests promoting early detection of vision problems in children, including a sight test (a test of how well your child can see), as well as identifying issues like a squint or a lazy eye. However, they do not replace the need for a full eye examination with an optometrist. Here is what you can expect from a comprehensive eye examination (which is entirely free-of-charge): Medical history – a review of medical history, including a full family history as many eye conditions are genetic e.g. short-sightedness (myopia). Pre-screening – involving a series of tests using the highest standard of equipment, most importantly generating an image of the inside of the eye using advanced technology such as the Optos Daytona scanner. Visual acuity – testing vision at distance and close up, using letters or pictures depending on the age of the child. Refraction – measurement of prescription including specific tests for long and short sightedness as well as measuring any astigmatism. Binocular vision assessment – various tests and measures to see how eyes are working together and to check the prescription is balanced. Includes a range of fun tests. Slit lamp – microscopic exam of lids/lashes/cornea and front surface and chamber of the eye. Colour vision – to check for any colour deficiency (colour blindness) by looking at pictures in a book. Summary of findings – discussing all findings with both the child and their parents/carer. Explaining points and summarising at the end the main findings and recommendations. Allowing plenty of time to ask questions. A thorough eye examination checks for vision, eye health and can also pick up several indicators where there might be a wider health issue apparent through these in-depth tests, making it all the more worthwhile. So, if your child had their eye test at pre-school, firstly we hope all was fine, but please also ensure that they have a comprehensive eye examination at least every two years from around age four. It is free and at Cameron Optometry we provide the most thorough assessment available by an award-winning team of optometrists all of whom have extensive expertise in dealing with the most complex eye conditions, so your child will be in safe hands. Book an appointment online or by calling 0131 225 2235, or email vision@cameronoptom.com with any questions.

Many adults would consider contact lenses to be a lifestyle essential and there are no reasons children shouldn’t experience the same benefits. Building self-esteem: some children feel self-conscious wearing glasses, leading to a lack of confidence that sometimes affects their performance at school. Active lifestyle: if you have a very active child then contact lenses are the practical option, leaving your child free to participate without the worry of glasses being broken. Good vision: contact lenses are hugely beneficial for those with high prescriptions, especially for peripheral vision. Part-time wear: we have many patients who opt to wear contact lenses purely for sport so it needn’t be a fulltime commitment.When can a child start wearing lenses?A common misconception is that you have to be a certain age to wear contact lenses but we believe children just have to be mature enough to look after their lenses. A recent study of eight to 11 year olds found that 90% had no trouble applying or removing their lenses without assistance. We find children as young as five usually do well with contact lenses. Good hygiene and care is essential to avoid problems such as infection but contact lenses are available as daily disposable lenses for most prescriptions. This keeps maintenance and risks of infection very low making them a good starting point for children. Our experience We have extensive experience in fitting children with lenses, even newborn babies requiring medical contact lenses. Our optometrists are amongst the most highly trained in the country, and Ian Cameron is the current UK Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year. Together we will ensure your child’s vision is in safe hands. Contact lenses are available through our Vision+ membership scheme. For further information please visit cameronoptom.com/vision. Click here to download this leaflet Contact lenses for children

Here Ian shares his tips on what to look out for when you're selecting a pair of children's sunglasses. UV rays are so damaging to vision and the delicate skin surrounding the eyes so it is vital that it is protected from a young age. Click to play. document.createElement('video'); https://digital.hakimgroup.co.uk/camerons/blog/2017/05/13449601_223475911379130_149333494_n.mp4

We’re delighted to announce that our optical assistant, Heather Muir, has recently completed her level two certificate in Child Anxiety and Confidence. Designed to help understand the importance of overcoming negative emotions in children and boosting esteem, this will be invaluable as Heather helps children grow their confidence in handling their new contact lenses. Heather is working more and more with children who have been prescribed contact lenses for the first time. The children she see are always enthusiastic about wearing contact lenses and, even the younger patients, understand how beneficial they can be, most are delighted that they no longer have to wear glasses. However, with all this, comes the fact that they are something very new to them and they are sometimes met with a degree of trepidation. As a result, Heather thought it would be beneficial to improve her understanding of how best to work with children to ease their anxiety when handling their contact lenses. The level two course, delivered by Oplex Careers, was so beneficial, Heather has already signed up to the level three version of the course. So far she has covered: an introduction to child anxiety and confidence building verbal communications skills to build confidence non-verbal communication skills to build confidence use of poetry and drama to build confidence techniques to build confidence anger management. We prescribe contact lenses for children with a range of prescriptions. Some still don’t realise that children as young as seven-years-old can wear contact lenses and Heather has found that even these younger children adapt very well to them. She takes a very gentle approach and they can come in as many times as they like, until the child, along with their parents, feel totally comfortable taking their contact lenses home. As specialists in Myopia Management, slowing the progression of short-sightedness in children, we expect that the number of patients coming to us for these specific lenses will increase dramatically over the coming year. With new research supporting the use of Myopia Management contact lenses and increased awareness of the long-term damage that high levels of myopia can cause, more parents are seeking out ways to manage their child’s myopia. If you would like information on contact lenses for children, please get in touch or book your child in for a free comprehensive eye examination.

We’ve seen many posts on social media recently where parents are asking what they can expect in their child’s first eye examination, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to let you know what happens here at Cameron Optometry. Making an appointment We recommend your child has their first eye examination in their pre-school year, around four-years-old, however if you have any concerns about their vision or if you notice a squint (turn) in their eye, then we see little ones from birth, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your child will have a very basic eye screening at school, usually when they are in primary one, however this is a test of vision only and does not test for their eye health, so even if they ‘pass’ they should still visit an optometrist and thereafter visit every two years, even if they have no obvious issues. A comprehensive eye examination will check for so much more than solely whether a patient can see well. An eye examination can indicate the early stages of eye disease, as well as giving insights into the health of the brain and other areas of the body. The appointment When you are preparing your child, let them know it will be fun! We have adapted all our tests to make it a relaxed and enjoyable experience for children, whilst ensuring we still get an in depth picture of their eye health and vision. We are able to hone a huge amount of information during the appointment, issues with their vision, whether they have any colour-deficiency, examining the health of their eyes and various other checks. We have a box of tricks for children to explore. Monster shaped torches that your little one will help switch on by giving them a good bash on the head, cuddly frogs to focus on, books filled with various pictures, matching games, flower-shaped glasses to wear and more. For the majority, if not all, of the appointment, they can sit on the floor or in the examination chair, wherever they feel most comfortable. Further exploration Whilst we provide a comprehensive eye examination for all children, we also never perform unnecessary tests. If we feel additional scans are required, we will do them, but we want to ensure it is always a positive experience for children so will not perform any tests that aren’t required. Likewise, you may have heard of children having eye drops in their examination. These are used to dilate the eye, and relax their focussing to allow for a better examination of how they are seeing. Again, we would get an indication from the initial tests and only use the drops if there was cause for further investigation. What if my child needs glasses? We fit glasses and contact lenses to children on a daily basis. We have a bespoke range of frames from various independent designers to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. There is no hurry. Children can take their time looking at themselves in the mirror before deciding on a pair that they love. With specialist expertise in contact lenses, we also regularly fit lenses to children as young as five-years-old and will chat you through all the options available. And remember, eye examinations for children in full-time education are free, so please ensure your children visit an optometrist on a regular basis.

We were amongst a select group of eye care professionals across Europe who were invited to be the first to work with the new CooperVision MiSight® 1 day contact lens for Myopia Management. This is the first daily disposable contact lens that has been proven to slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in children. Extensive studies have taken place involving myopic children aged eight to 12-years-old, over a three-year period. The MiSight trials found there was a 59% reduction in myopic development in those who used the contact lenses. MiSight 1 day is designed for children who have a myopic prescription from -0.25D to -6.00D. The other two options which we fit children with are: Ortho-K lenses (overnight vision correction): worn at night, leaving the child with perfect vision by day but without having to wear lenses to school. This can be popular with younger children who might not be able to look after the lenses by day, for example if they need cleaned when away from home. Multifocal lenses: lenses which are worn by day and replaced on a monthly basis, so require cleaning and storage each night. Currently the popular choice for those who would rather not sleep in contact lenses. The advantage of MiSight is that they are daily disposable contact lenses which means no cleaning or storage is required, which is particularly good for those who are new to contact lenses. We share the view of CooperVision, that Myopia Management contact lenses should be the first choice for parents of myopic children, as opposed to leaving the myopia to progress at its natural rate which could result in a much higher prescription by the time the child reaches adulthood. Having a high prescription doesn’t just mean wearing high prescription glasses or contact lenses, there are many serious eye conditions which are far more prevalent in those with high prescriptions including retinal detachment and degeneration, and glaucoma. Please drop me an email if you would like further information on Myopia Management or MiSight lenses in particular myopia@cameronoptom.com.

Children often miss out when it comes to stylish glasses. The options for adults are endless, however for kids it usually comes down to character or basic metal frames. With this in mind, we went on the hunt for a brand to suit kids who want to look fab in their frames. B Big ticked all the boxes and we are delighted to be the sole stockist in Scotland. We are so excited we are about their new range which arrived in the practice this week. It’s big! Kids know what they like and there’s nothing wrong with that, but it means they need choice and we now have a huge number of frames for your young fashionista to choose from. No characters in sight. Just a well made, vibrant, beautifully designed, range. BBig knows that the frames need to be appealing, exciting, daring and stylish, and certainly not childish. This does not mean that the glasses are miniature versions of adult glasses, as children still have their own particular aesthetic preferences. The style is lively and light, with a dash of humour. And they are durable too, so will be well worth the investment. Children run, play, romp around, fall, jump and sometimes think that they can even fly. And so they should. Wearing glasses shouldn’t restrict your adventure-loving youngster. This means that their glasses are subjected to many challenges and therefore need to be not only extremely strong, but also flexible. As far as BBIG is concerned, this does not necessarily mean that kids’ frames should be made of reinforced steel. By using modern materials and techniques during manufacturing, BBIG produces kids’ optical frames which are very elegant, aesthetically pleasing and also practically indestructible. If your child’s frames have seen better days or they have fallen out of love with them, pop in for a look. And remember, we offer FREE eye examinations for all children in full time education, and our examinations are far more comprehensive than those performed at a high street opticians. Book in today by calling 0131 225 2235.

Parents regularly debate how much screen time their children should have for numerous reasons, one of which may be their concern for their vision. With a dramatic rise in children developing myopia (short-sightedness), some point at the rise in the amount of time children spend in front of screens, usually iPads or phones, be it at school, doing homework, communicating with friends or playing games. Add in watching TV, and most children are spending hours a day looking at a screen. Tips for parents: Blue light that is emitted from screens can be very tiring for children’s eyes, causing headaches, blurred vision and disturbed sleep patterns. Purchase your child some blue light filtering spectacles or tinted lenses, which will filter out the harmful effects of blue light. Holding phones, tablets, games consoles and kindles close to the face, requires children to use their eyes’ zoom function causing eyes to tire. Increase text size and encourage them to hold the appliance at arms length, will help. Encourage them to take a 20-20-20 break: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, looking at something 20 feet away. A rule we should all stick to. Although genetics play a significant role in whether a child will be short-sighted, other risk factors include how much time they spend indoors and how much time they spend focussing on near tasks. So spending more time outside may help. Ensure children have their eyes examined annually but immediately if they have any issues with their vision. An eye examination will investigate any prescription, or muscle weakness that may be making close vision tasks difficult. Please see our leaflets on blue light and digital eyestrain for further information or speak to your optometrist if you have any concerns.

It was with great sadness that we read the about the case of Vincent Barker (8) who died in 2012 following the missed diagnosis of bilateral papilloedema which was a sign of a buildup of fluid on his brain. A court concluded that the swollen optic nerves, should have been picked up in a routine eye examination and would have prevented his death. We want to take the opportunity to reassure all patients that this is exactly the kind of thing we are looking out for when we perform an eye examination. Although very rare, the reason we perform such a thorough range of tests and scans is to identify conditions like these which may have no obvious signs. Our team are amongst the most highly trained in the country and our technology is the most advanced available. These two factors, combined with the fact that we take our responsibility as eye care professionals incredibly seriously, mean that these signs would have simply not been missed. We also want to take this opportunity to remind parents of the importance of regular eye examinations for children. From pre-school (or earlier if you have any concerns regarding your child’s vision or eye health) children must have their eyes examined every two years. We aren’t just checking for vision issues, eye examinations pick up so much more, including signs of serious conditions like papilloedema, childhood eye cancer and more. A comprehensive eye examination should last around 30 minutes and will include a wide range of tests, as well as discussions with both you the parent and your child. This allows the optometrist to gain a thorough picture of your child’s eye health and should provide parents with reassurance regarding your child’s eye health. Please also be assured that this case was the first of its kind. It is an uncommon condition, especially in children, and is treatable. Although it can result in a loss of sight, it is incredibly rare for it to result in death (see more information on the papilloedema below). Never before has an optometrist failed to pick up this condition which ultimately resulted in a child’s death. If you have any concerns or would like further information on eye care for children, please contact us at vision@cameronoptom.com or on 0131 225 2235. Further information on papilloedema from the College of Optometrists What is papilloedema? Papilloedema is a swelling of the optic disc (the area of the optic nerve that enters the eye).  It is typically seen in both eyes and is most commonly due to increased intracranial pressure. There are many possible causes of raised intracranial pressure. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, transient visual loss, double vision and sickness, although not always. When an optometrist detects papilloedema, they will normally make an emergency referral, which means the patient will be seen by an ophthalmologist within 24 hours. How common/unusual is it? Papilloedema is a rare condition. However the most common cause of papilloedema, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is increasing due to the rising prevalence of obesity. Although papilloedema is most common in women, it can affect children and adults of any age. Can it be treated? In most cases it can be treated. Treatment will be directed at the underlying cause of the increased intracranial pressure. It is normally treated by a neurologist, with input from an ophthalmologist. Should parents ensure their optometrist checks their child’s eyes for it? At every eye examination an optometrist will assess the optic nerve, by looking at the back of the eye with a slit-lamp microscope or an ophthalmoscope. Increasingly, in addition to this, optometrists may use retinal cameras in to assess the back of the eye, including the optic nerve.

Some children will receive vision screening either in nursery or in primary one, however this does not check the health of their eyes so a comprehensive eye examination is strongly advised. Whilst the majority of children have good eyesight, it is still highly recommended that they visit an optometrist at least every two years from pre-school and this is essential if there is a family history of a squint or high glasses/contact lens prescription. We have the most advanced technology available on the market which gives us the best possible view of your child’s eyes allowing us to check for any problems which may not be obvious. When an issue is detected early, it can be managed and in many cases reversed. The eye examination It is usually a fun experience for children and they enjoy all the technology and measurements, particularly having the chance to see inside their own eyes. Our examinations are tailored to children using specialised equipment so they do not have to be able to read or talk to be able to perform an eye examination. All eye examinations at Cameron Optometry are performed by highly experienced optometrists. On our site (under Children – Eye Fun) you'll find episodes of some of their favourite characters, including Peppa Pig and Topsy & Tim, having an eye examination which may help build their excitement ahead of their visit. What to look out for Most children assume that the way they see is normal so you cannot rely on them to tell you if things are wrong. As well as getting their eyes tested every two years, look out for the following: Headaches and sore eyes Difficulty concentrating Using fingers to track text or losing their place when reading Having issues with coordination for example when playing ball games Squinting or closing one eye when reading or watching television Showing sensitivity to light or the glare from a screen. Examinations for children in full-time education are free-of-charge. For further information please visit www.cameronoptom.com/children.

Children are encouraged to enjoy books from a young age, and learning to read is a huge part of their early years at school. Therefore, for parents, seeing your child struggling to read can be worrying. However if your child is having difficulty reading it may be a sign of visual stress. What is visual stress? Visual stress causes an individual to have difficulty when reading. They may experience light sensitivity, headaches or other ‘stresses’ which are brought on by looking at text at close distance. Reading can become very tiring and uncomfortable for children with visual stress. What are the symptoms? Someone with visual stress may experience symptoms such as moving text, blurred text, patterns, lights or blobs of colour appearing on the page or sore head or eyes, when they read. What signs might parents notice if their child has visual stress? Your child may be struggling to concentrate on homework or visual tasks for any length of time. They might fidget while doing work, or move the task nearer or further away. Your child might miss words or lines when reading, frequently re-reading the same line or rubbing their eyes. Visual stress and dyslexia Visual stress is not the same as dyslexia, however people with dyslexia may well experience visual stress. By treating visual stress, some of the difficulties caused by dyslexia may be alleviated. How can visual stress be treated? Some cases of visual stress can be treated easily by changing the colour of background that they read on. A simple colour overlay can make a huge difference, as it is often the glare from a white background that causes many of the symptoms. Tinted reading glasses can also be worn. What do I do if my child has the signs of visual stress? Make an appointment with your optometrist, ensure they have experience in diagnosing visual stress. They will be able to identify it quickly and be able to assist in treating the symptoms, referring them to an expert if required. For further information on dyslexia and the eyes please visit the British Dyslexia Association.

The first thing to say is, retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer in children, is very rare. However, because it is rare, there is little awareness of the symptoms or even its existence. It is a fast growing cancer so early detection is essential. Most common in children under the age of six, the survival rate is high but it is essential that parents and carers know what to look out for. Change in iris colour, usually in just one eye. A squint or lazy eye – a common issue in young children and one that is usually not a sign of retinoblastoma, but something that you must get checked by an optometrist. A red, sore or swollen eye – a common symptom of conjunctivitis and other eye infections but again something that needs to be examined by an expert. Unlike with eye infections, the red, swollen eye will not be accompanied any discharge. A white eye or glow in one or both eyes or no ‘red eye’ in photos. If you take a photo of your child and one eye is red in the picture but the other isn’t this could be a sign that needs investigated further. Deterioration in eyesight – something that you should always have explored by your optometrist. Again, like many of these symptoms, more often than not this should not be a cause for serious concern but should always be examined. About half of retinoblastoma cases are a result of a faulty gene which results in the condition affecting both eyes. The cause of non-genetic cases is unknown and in these cases only one eye will be affected. Early treatment is very effective and relatively non-invasive. If left untreated, the concern is that the cancer could spread to other parts of the body. Any signs of retinoblastoma will be picked up in a routine eye examination. Yet another reason it is essential that you should take your child to see an optometrist at least every two years. And trust your instincts. If you notice any changes in your child’s vision or eyes, book in with your optometrist for a thorough eye examination. At Cameron Optometry we ensure children receive a comprehensive eye examination using market-leading technology, to give you complete peace of mind. Eye examinations for children in full-time education are free. If you want more information on retinoblastoma, the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust CHECT, has a wealth of useful information on its site and provides invaluable support to those affected by the disease.

Following on from other blogs on Myopia Management (also known as Myopia Control), using contact lenses to slow the progression of short-sightedness in children, we thought we'd share this feature from ITV News. It is a relatively new approach so we know parents want as much information as possible before making a decision. ITV News Ortho-K feature Please get in touch if you'd like to pop in and chat through the options that might be available to your child. Or drop us an email myopia@cameronoptom.com.

We are often asked about whether there is anything you can do to reduce the chance of becoming short-sighted. So we've compiled some advice on steps you can take, which is especially important for parents to be aware of as their children’s eyes develop. In the UK, one in three people will end up myopic, the medical term for short-sighted, where objects in the distance appear blurred. Mild to moderate myopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, however high levels of myopia can be far more problematic. As the degree of myopia increases, the lenses in your glasses get thicker, but more worryingly, the risk of developing additional eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration increases. Having family members who are short-sighted is a strong risk factor for developing it yourself. While we can’t do anything about our genetics there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of becoming short-sighted (myopic). Increase the amount of time spent outside each day. Research shows this is the single most beneficial step you can take to reduce the chance of developing myopia. The brightness of natural light and/or the far-off focus is thought to be the reason this is so effective. At least two hours a day is a good target. Take regular breaks from close work. Look away from close tasks, such as working on a computer or reading, for a minute or so to change focus, or vary tasks every 30-60 minutes to alter the focusing demands on your vision. Limit additional close work (over and above school or work) to two hours per day. This includes reading, hand held computer games, drawing, homework, computer work, phones and tablets. Keep your prescription up to date. Research shows that wearing the correct prescription slows the development of myopia, whereas wearing a prescription weaker than you require, speeds it up. Take vitamin D. There is some evidence that taking a vitamin D supplement can slow establishment of myopia. Start early. The earlier in life these steps are taken, the best chance they have of making a difference.   Visit our Myopia Management page for further information on the treatment of myopia.

If you are short-sighted (myopic) the chance of your child becoming short-sighted significantly increases. We can now slow the progression of short-sightedness by up to 50% using specialised contact lenses in children as young as six. There have been two significant studies already this year on the alarming increase in short-sightedness (myopia) amongst children in both the UK and the US. The dramatic increase in cases has seen many optical experts draw conclusions as to why this is happening. Children spending more time looking at screens and less time outside being one common conclusion but there are no definitive answers to this growing problem. What we do know is, if a child has a parent who is short-sighted their chance of becoming short-sighted increases by three times, and if both parents are short-sighted, that figure increases to seven times. This remains the primary predictor that a child will develop myopia. Genetics are not something that can be controlled, however if a child is found to be short-sighted we can act to slow the progression. We need to make people understand the variations of myopia. Low to medium levels mean that your child will have to wear contact lenses or glasses, an adjustment that many adapt to easily. However, high levels of myopia can lead to serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and retinal detachment in later life. These conditions can cause serious visual impairment. It is the progression to high levels of myopia that we need to halt, and if we can ensure your child’s level stays in the ‘low’ parameters, all the better. This is the aim of Myopia Management (also referred to as Myopia Control), to ensure that levels stay as low as possible. The time to act is childhood when the eyes are developing quickly. Slowing the progression at this stage could be the difference between low and high levels of myopia. Children in our Myopia Management programme wear specialised contact lenses which aim to slow the progression of myopia or short-sightedness by up to 50%. What can I do? If either parent is short-sighted, make a concerted effort to ensure your child’s eyes are examined at least every two years from pre-school. This way any indication that they might be short-sighted can be identified and managed before the condition progresses. And if you know your child is short-sighted and you would like to hear more about Myopia Management, book in to see one of our optometrists who have specialist training in this area. For further information on Myopia Management can be found here. Our next blog will look at steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of becoming short-sighted.

Don’t let poor eyesight lead to poor exam performance. Research clearly shows that uncorrected visual problems severely impact academic performance, self-confidence, sporting ability and even behaviour, at school. So with exam season almost upon us, now is a good time to get your child's eyes checked to ensure their vision doesn't hold them back when it really counts. As a minimum, a child's eyes should be tested once every year or two, however children are constantly developing so it is also worth familiarising yourself with some indicators to look out for which may suggest they should pay us a visit: Headaches and sore eyes, especially after a long revision session Difficulty concentrating Using fingers to track text or losing their place when reading Having issues with coordination for example when playing ball games Squinting or closing one eye when reading Showing sensitivity to light or the glare from a screen Many young people will be reluctant to visit an optometrist for fear that they need glasses. Should this be the case, often they will only need to wear them at certain times, for example when looking at a whiteboard, and they might be able to pack them away at weekends. There is a fantastic range of children's glasses available and many adult styles can be fitted to smaller heads. With many celebrities now making glasses their stylish accessory, our younger clients now seem happier to follow suit! You may also be surprised to hear that even young children can be prescribed contact lenses so they may choose to alternate between glasses and lenses. We are passionate about providing the best possible eye care especially to children and young people in this crucial stage of life, so please get in touch to make an appointment to give your child the best chance in the examination room. All young people in full-time education are entitled to free eye exams, and they also receive a voucher towards the cost of glasses or lenses.

I've had quite a few short-sighted children come through the doors this month and it reminded me of an image of Chinese school children. In China, some 41 per cent of children need glasses, whilst another study from 2011 found that 85 per cent of university students were short-sighted. This compares to around 20-30 per cent in the UK. Some Chinese schools have taken an interesting step to try to halt the increased incidence of short-sightedness in the country, putting bars on desks to prevent children getting too close to their books. Short-sightedness or myopia is known to run in families so genetics always play a part. However there are environmental factors such as intensive close work that are also known to impact on eye development. The Chinese continue to top the international educational rankings however the long hours spent studying could well be a contributing factor to their declining sight. Spending around 13 hours a day studying at school plus extra tutoring and homework, going to bed late and getting up early, could well be taking its toll. Obviously we all want our children to learn but eyes need rest like all parts of our bodies. So, far from discouraging your studious child, do encourage them to take breaks, get them outside to give their eyes a rest. It could well help their sight in the longterm.