Eye Care Advice

In Scotland, we are fortunate that all children receive 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.  They provide a great indicator of whether your child has an issue, however a full eye examination is also recommended, especially where there is a family history of eye problems or strong prescriptions. In an eye examination, full pre-screening will take place, including scans, measuring the eyeball (helpful for diagnosing short-sight as a child grows), measuring for astigmatism, measurement of any prescription, measuring how the eyes see together, colour vision test, as well as discussing any concerns, medical history and family history of eye conditions.  We recommend a child has both the POVS test, as well as visiting an optometrist before starting school. Children’s eye examinations are free of charge, including scans and other tests which may be required. We don’t use eye drops as a matter of course and generally children find the experience a lot of fun in a very relaxed setting.  If you have any concerns about your child’s vision or would like to find out more about eye examinations, please call us on 0131 225 2235. Find out more about our eye examination here.

At Cameron Optometry, we have a huge range of patients who walk through our doors every day. From babies who have had cataract surgery and require specialist contact lenses, to people with rare, complex eye conditions. We also treat people with a range of conditions that may not directly affect their vision, but that still require our specialist care. This is why our staff have received specific training to assist those who may not find a trip to the optometrist as straightforward as others. This includes those with all kinds of additional support needs, learning disabilities, anxiety and with other unique requirements.   For many, a trip to the optometrist is nothing more than routine, sometimes even a welcome break from their working day; a chance to check all is ok with their vision and eye health, walking away from the practice having been given the reassurance they sought. For others, attending an optometry appointment can be seen as a huge hurdle, a challenging event, which may come with some level of anxiety and concern. If this is you, your child or someone you care for – please know, we are here to help. We have outlined some of the ways we look to alleviate some of the stress that you may associate with a visit to the optometrist.     Before the appointment  Familiar surroundings: You are very welcome to pop in ahead of your appointment to take a look around and familiarise yourself with our practice. We can take you through what will happen at your appointment to hopefully reduce any anxiety on the day of your appointment. If you can’t make it in, or would rather do this from home, you can also watch this video, which takes a child and her mother, through the steps of a standard eye examination, again allowing you to familiarise yourself with the surroundings. This was filed before the pandemic, so this video on our new hygiene measures may also be helpful.  Timing: We always make every effort to ensure we run on time, and will make a concerted effort should we know our patient may become anxious if we run even a minute or two late. You may benefit from booking an appointment first thing in the day to ensure you know you will be seen on time, and this is often a time when the practice is quieter.  During your appointment  On arrival: We have several waiting areas in the practice, so you can advise us where you would like to wait, for instance, you may prefer a quieter waiting area, rather than a thoroughfare. You are very welcome to bring someone into the appointment with you. All our examination rooms are spacious with additional seating.   Time: What we provide in abundance is time. Our standard appointments are longer than most, but we are happy to add additional time on should you require it. You will not be rushed at any stage during your visit. If you would like a longer than standard appointment time, please let us know when booking your appointment.   Our examinations: All our pre-screening and optometry staff are very experienced in supporting patients who may find a trip to the optometrists unnerving. This page of our website takes you through the stages of an eye examination which may also be helpful.   If we don’t manage to complete the whole examination in one appointment, that is absolutely no problem, and a follow up appointment can be easily made. It may be that the patient would prefer the pre-screening tests performed one day, and then the tests with the optometrist, performed on another day. This is absolutely fine and something some patients prefer.   Preparing children: There are many popular children’s programmes that have episodes specifically about the characters visiting an optometrist, Topsy and Tim, Peppa Pig and Get Well Soon being a few. Watching these programmes may help children prepare for an appointment. Books such as ‘Going to the Optician’ by Avril Webster and ‘Going to the Optician’, a Biff and Chip book by Roderick Hunt are also good books to read in advance.  In conclusion, we have extensive experience in assisting people for whom a trip to the optometrist may not be straightforward. We can be entirely flexible to ensure their visit is as stress-free as possible. We always read the latest advice on how to help patients during their appointment, and are happy to incorporate anything into the appointment that may make things easier such as a timer. Please let us know how we can tailor the appointment to best suit your requirements at the time of booking.

Here Ian Cameron, of Cameron Optometry in Edinburgh, shares his tips on how to help your child (and you!) avoid digital eyestrain. Following these suggestions may also help your child avoid developing myopia (short-sightedness). 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 (shortsightedness), 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. Visit cameronoptom.com/myopia for further information on short-sightedness in children.

As children progress through school, they naturally spend more time on screens. It is not ideal for the eyes but sometimes it is unavoidable, so how can we help children avoid the discomfort associated with spending longer periods in front of screens, and help the long-term health of their eyes? The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful one for everyone. Look up from the screen every 20 minutes, focusing on something 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. This eases discomfort, as well as potentially helping to prevent short-sightedness developing. Setting a timer to encourage children to change tasks and relax their eyes regularly can be helpful. They should also do good conscious blinks to help lubricate the eyes, as we blink a lot less when concentrating on a screen. Lubricating eye drops may also help with dry eyes. Ideally, spend a couple of hours outside each day. Studies show that spending over 14 hours outside per week, compared to less than five hours, reduces the chance of a child becoming short-sighted by a third. At the moment, children don’t have their regular commute to and from school, as well as their breaks outside, so it would be beneficial for their eyes if plenty of outdoor time is factored into their day.  Keep reading materials, including screens, at least 20cm away at all times. Holding phones, tablets, games consoles and kindles close to the face, requires children to use their eyes’ zoom function causing eyes to tire. So, we suggest you increase text size and encourage them to hold the appliance at arm’s length. Try to limit additional close work over and above school or work. This includes reading, hand held computer games, tablets, drawing, homework and computer work. Finally, blue light that is emitted from screens can be very tiring for children’s eyes, causing headaches, blurred vision and disturbed sleep patterns. Your child might be willing to try blue light filtering spectacles or tinted lenses, which will filter out the harmful effects of blue light. As a result of spending much more time on close tasks and less on long distance, like activities, like sport, a child may be less likely to notice if their short-sight is suffering so, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. With short-sightedness (myopia) specifically, the sooner it is identified the more chance we have of slowing the progression.  If your child is suffering from any changes to their vision, headaches, sore eyes, sensitivity to screens or anything else that gives you cause for concern, please get in touch. Regardless, your child should still have their eyes examined at least every two years, more frequently if they have had any issues.

We are normally inundated with children visiting the practice during the summer months, with parents and carers booking in an eye examination, along with a fitting for school shoes, stationery orders, labelling umpteen items and everything else, on what always seems like a mammoth to do list before children return to the classroom. This year has been very different… Everyone is playing catch up as we try to return to some sort of normality. We are now open for routine eye examinations. The wait is a little longer as we have one less examination room open, but we’re here and we’d love to see your child. In an ideal, pre-Covid-19, world, we would advise that all children have their first eye examination before they start primary one, then at least every two years thereafter, but sooner if you have any causes for concern. That said, please don’t worry if your child is kicking off the new term without having had their eyes examined. This video (filmed last year) gives you an idea of what to look out for, indicators that your child may have issues with their vision. We recommend you still get your child booked in as soon as you can, but in the meantime, as they start back to school, look out for these signs that may suggest there is an issue. Remember, eye examinations for children are free, and check not only the way your child sees, but also the scans we take, look for issues relating to eye health and can also show signs of other health issues, so it is definitely worth getting your child booked in when you can. You can find out details of what to expect when you visit here and cast your eyes over our new hygiene measures.  We look forward to seeing everyone soon.

As many of us continue homeschooling our children, they are inevitable spending more time in front of screens. Ian Cameron has compiled this video with tips on how to help them avoid digital eyestrain, with his very able assistants. The advice applies to adults too, so hopefully helpful for the whole family. Some of these suggestions may also help your child avoid developing myopia (short-sightedness) in the longer term. Here are some helpful leaflets for further information: Digital eyestrain in children  Digital eyestrain – adults Is blue light harming my vision? If you have any concerns about your child's vision, please don't hesitate to get in touch: vision@cameronoptom.com 0131 225 2235

Encouraging news for the battle against increasing rates of short-sightedness in children Cameron Optometry is delighted to announce it now has over 50 patients using Myopia Management contact lenses, one of the highest numbers of patients for any practice in the UK. Here clinical lead optometrist, Gillian Bruce, reflects on the positive impact that the revolutionary lenses have had on children in the area. Explaining Myopia Management The rates of myopia in children is on the rise. Myopia is expected to affect 50% of the world population by 2050. In the UK the amount of myopia has increased from 10% to 23% of children in the past 50 years. It is widely acknowledged that something needs to be done to reverse this trend. Myopia Management contact lenses are proven to slow the progression of short-sightedness in children. Simply put, this means children will have a lower prescription when they reach adulthood than they would without the contact lenses. A high prescription increases an individual’s chance of developing serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, in later life, in addition to the daily challenges that a high prescription brings.  The research and results We read the extensive research before trialling the contact lenses, and were one of the first practices in Scotland to introduce them. The ongoing research firmly supports their effectiveness and we are encouraged to see hugely positive results in our own patients. In many cases, we have found children whose prescription had increased year on year have found their prescriptions stabilise with the lenses, whilst in others their progression of myopia has slowed significantly. The results have reaffirmed the benefits of the lenses, with our own experience adding weight to the effectiveness of the lenses. The future for Myopia Management It is hugely encouraging to hit this milestone however there are still so many who are unaware of the contact lenses and they are not widely prescribed. We will continue to promote the benefits of Myopia Management so parents are aware there is another option. The rates of short-sightedness in children continues to rise and worryingly there seems no sign that this will change, so with that in mind, we hope the contact lenses become more widely used and more accessible to all.  As the rates of myopia increase significantly across the world, we expect further developments in Myopia Management and will ensure our practice remains leaders in this field.  Further information on Myopia Management What is myopia? Myopia is the medical term for short-sightedness, when the eyeball is too long or too powerful. The result is that light coming into the eye does not focus directly on the retina (the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye), but instead falls in front of it, causing objects in the distance to look blurred. Myopia is traditionally corrected by wearing spectacles or contact lenses. As the eye grows, a person typically becomes more myopic and the power of their spectacle of contact lens prescription increases. Prescriptions over -6DS are considered to be high levels of myopia. Why do people develop myopia? Research suggests that a person’s genetics, lifestyle and their day-to-day environment all play a part. People who spend more time doing tasks at a close distance such as working on computers and reading, and those who spend less time outdoors seem more likely to develop myopia. There is a 46% probability of developing myopia if both parents are myopic, 31% with one parent and 22% if no parents are myopic. Females have a greater gender tendency for myopia than males.  Does myopia get worse during childhood? Yes. Generally, once you have myopia your spectacle prescription gets greater over time, in particular during childhood as the eye grows. The key years of change in myopia are between six and 17 years old with the largest change in prescription typically happening at around seven to eight years and changes getting less as you get older. Generally, myopic children wearing traditional glasses or contact lenses will continue to increase in myopia by approximately 0.50 to 1.00 D (units of measurement) per year. We can use these figures to calculate what we expect a child’s prescription level to be by the time they are in their late teens when change starts to slow or stop. Many people develop myopia later in life, however if a child develops myopia, they are at risk of their vision deteriorating much more quickly and for many more years leading to a higher eventual prescription. What is Myopia Management? Myopia Management aims to slow down the progression of myopia in children and young adults through lifestyle changes, the use of specialised contact lenses, eye drops (not currently available in the UK) and in some cases spectacle lenses. It is a relatively new concept although research into the causes of myopia and how to slow its progression has been ongoing for decades. At Cameron Optometry our expertise in contact lenses allows us to provide the most advanced options available based on up to date research. We have now been successfully fitting children with contact lenses for Myopia Management for three years. Research has found the results of Myopia Management through the use of specialised contact lenses, to be effective, with recent studies showing that a 59% reduction in the progression of myopia is achievable. It also concluded that contact lenses are tolerated very well by children. Myopia Management contact lenses Myopia Management contact lenses are designed to firstly correct your child’s vision so they can see well and secondly to slow the process of eyeball growth, with the aim of reducing how short sighted they eventually become. The aim of treatment is to slow the rate of decline by around 50%. Myopia Management contact lenses cannot be expected to completely halt the progression, nor can it reduce your child’s prescription from the point at which they start with the contact lenses. The research We base our Myopia Management programme on guidance by the International Myopia Institute. In 2019 the Institute gathered together the leading figures in research into myopia and processed all the research on myopia to produce seven papers. If you are interested in further reading into myopia you can access these papers at: Brien Holden Vision research on Myopia Management Please get in touch if you would like further information or to make an appointment for a free assessment for your child.

Your child's sight is precious. Good vision helps them to learn, play and communicate with the world around them. The number one piece of advice any eye care professional will offer is to ensure they have regular eye examinations. The sooner any issues are identified, the better the outcome. In addition, eating a rainbow diet, full of colourful fruit and veg, as well as fish, eggs and grains will give them lots of eye-friendly nutrients. And always ensure their eyes are protected in the sun. Read this helpful guide, produced as part of National Eye Health Week. View Kids Eye Health Leaflet

As part of the Association of Optometrist's ABSee campaign, they have produced a helpful guide covering advice on when to spot your child may need to see an optometrist, tips on looking after their vision and the options available if they do require vision correction. Download children's eye health leaflet here.

We hope the start of the new term is going well for all who went back this week. Did you manage to get your child's eyes examined over the holidays? Children should have their eyes examined by an optometrist every two years from pre-school. Signs there is an issue Most children assume that the way they see is normal so you cannot rely on them to tell you if there is a problem.  Here are some signs you can look out for that may suggest they have an issue with their vision: 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. Contact lenses for children If your child already wears glasses, they may be interested in looking at options wearing contact lenses. We have a huge range of options for children as young as seven. From our Myopia Management lenses are actually proven to slow the progression of short-sightedness in children, to our Ortho-K lenses which are worn overnight, leaving them free from lenses by day. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your child's suitability for contact lenses.  At Cameron Optometry we offer the most comprehensive (and fun!) eye examination available and it’s all free-of-charge. Book in with an award-winning optometrist today. You can book online, call 0131 225 2235 or fill in this form and we'll get back to you to arrange an appointment. Error: Contact form not found.

We are thrilled to announce that we have won the Practice Growth Award at the national UK Optician Awards. The highly regarded awards, recognise excellence in the optical industry.  This award is acknowledgement of how we have grown the business in 2017. Our impressive figures can be largely attributed to the increase in number of children joining the practice, as well as a significant growth in our eyewear boutique, the Frame Room, which launched in 2016. It has always been our mission to ensure that all children have their eyes examined at least every two years and we are delighted to have welcomed many new faces over the past year. We offer the most comprehensive eye examination available in Edinburgh at no cost and we’re pleased to see that more parents are now aware of the difference between this examination and a basic eye test.  We’ve also seen a real increase in children wearing contact lenses. Many children are now preferring contact lenses to glasses for lifestyle reasons, in particular sporty youngsters. We’ve also run a campaign to educate parents of myopic children regarding the benefits of Myopia Management lenses, which slow the progression of short-sightedness in children. Interest in these revolutionary contact lenses is set to increase as awareness of their impact grows. We have a team of optometrists and dispensing specialists who are hugely passionate, working tirelessly to help children transition to contact lens wear, ensuring it is a positive experience for the child and their carers.  Patients will have also noticed that we’ve overhauled our dispensing room and this is another area where we saw real growth in 2017. We moved from a standard opticians displaying hundreds of mass-produced frames, to a high-end fashion boutique, the Frame Room, stocking a range of handcrafted, independent designers. Our personalised consultation has meant we have seen patients experiment with their frames, often moving away from ‘safe’ styles and well-known brands, being a little more adventurous with styles and designers. Previously the high standard of eye care was in contrast with the eyewear offering. Now they share the same core values of the highest quality, attention to detail and with a strong focus on the patient.   Thank you to all those who have supported us as we continue to grow and build our independent optometry practice. And to our new patients who have joined our practice in the last year, we hope you’ve been happy with your decision for you and your family.  Awards  Practice Growth Award 2018 Children’s Contact Lens Practice of the Year Finalist 2018 UK Practice of the Year Finalist 2017 Technology Practice of the Year Finalist 2016 Contact Lens Practitioner of the Year 2015 UK Practice of the Year 2014 For further information: Myopia Management Frame Room

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.