Refractive errors in children: Why early correction is key to academic success
In today’s digital age, our children’s are spending more time than ever in front of screens - whether it’s for school lessons, online homework, or even leisure. While new-age technology has made learning more accessible, it’s also quietly putting a strain on something very important - their eyes.
One of the most common and often unnoticed outcomes of this screen-heavy lifestyle is refractive errors - vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness that can blur their ability to see clearly. When left uncorrected, most common yet often overlooked issues can directly impact how a child learns, concentrates, and performs. Yet, because children may not always realise they’re seeing things differently, these problems can go unnoticed for far too long.
The truth is, visual health is becoming just as critical as nutrition or sleep in shaping a child’s overall well-being. Working on these issues early and supporting your kid with the right care can make a world of difference - not just to their academics, but to their confidence and comfort too.
What are refractive errors?
Refractive errors occur when the eye isn’t able to focus light properly on the retina - the part of the eye that processes what we see. The result is blurred or distorted vision. The three most common types are myopia (where distant objects appear blurry), hyperopia (where close-up things are hard to see), and astigmatism (which causes overall distorted or fuzzy vision due to irregular curvature of the eye). While these conditions are often are common in adults, they are surprisingly common in children too - sometimes showing up as early as three years old.
What makes it tricky is that young children may not realise their vision is different - because most of the time they may not complain of vision issues because they assume everyone sees the world the way they do. That’s why it becomes so important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to be alert to signs - like squinting at the board, sitting unusually close to screens or books, frequent rubbing of the eyes, or losing their place while reading. Spotting these symptoms early can help ensure the child gets the support they need before their learning or development is affected.
Why timely correction matters
The early years of schooling are crucial for a child’s growth - not just academically, but emotionally and socially too. At this stage, clear vision plays a far bigger role than most of us realise. Whether it’s reading what’s written on the board, finishing worksheets, understanding lessons, or joining in group activities, so much of a child’s learning depends on how well they can see.
When a child face issues with vision, it doesn’t just show up in their marks - it can show up in their mood. They may fall behind in academic activities, become frustrated, or even withdraw from their peers. Some children may be wrongly labelled as inattentive or slow learners, when in reality - the reason is that they simply can’t see clearly.
When refractive errors go undetected, they can lead to more serious issues like amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.” In such cases, the brain begins to ignore the weaker eye, and if not treated before the age of 8-9 years, the vision loss may become permanent. The good news is that timely intervention - often just a simple pair of glasses - can prevent such complications and ensure healthy visual development.
Rising screen time and its impact
With children spending more hours than ever in front of digital screens, the rate of myopia (nearsightedness) has been rising. The link between increased screen exposure and rising vision issues isn’t just anecdotal - studies show that less time spent outdoors and prolonged near-work, like reading or staring at screens can increase the risk of developing myopia in kids. This makes regular eye check-ups all the more important in the post-pandemic schooling era.
The simplest way to stay ahead of this growing concern is by scheduling regular eye check-ups for your child. A short visit with your ophthalmologist once a year can catch early signs of myopia and other issues before they start affecting a child’s daily life or school performance. It’s a small step that can go a long way in ensuring children grow up with healthy, clear vision.
How often should children get eye tests?
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children have their first eye exam by the age of three, followed by annual or biannual screenings - especially if there is a family history of eye-related issues. Children with known refractive errors may need more frequent monitoring to ensure their prescription is updated as needed.
Simple solutions, lifelong benefits
The good news is that most cases - the refractive errors in children can be easily corrected with a simple pair of prescription glasses. Today’s eyewear isn’t what it used to be - modern advances in lenses now allow for lightweight, durable, and with anti-glare options are great for kids who spend time on screens or studying under bright lights. For older children or teenagers who may feel conscious about wearing glasses, contact lenses may also be an option - with proper medical supervision and guidance, of course.
Vision is not just about seeing - it’s about learning, experiencing, and thriving. A child who can’t see clearly is a child who can’t perform at their best. As parents, teachers and caregivers, we need to ensure that vision checks are not just optional, but essential, especially in early school years.
After all, a clear line of sight today can pave the way for a brighter academic future tomorrow.
(Dr Vineet Sehgal, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals)
One of the most common and often unnoticed outcomes of this screen-heavy lifestyle is refractive errors - vision issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness that can blur their ability to see clearly. When left uncorrected, most common yet often overlooked issues can directly impact how a child learns, concentrates, and performs. Yet, because children may not always realise they’re seeing things differently, these problems can go unnoticed for far too long.
The truth is, visual health is becoming just as critical as nutrition or sleep in shaping a child’s overall well-being. Working on these issues early and supporting your kid with the right care can make a world of difference - not just to their academics, but to their confidence and comfort too.
What are refractive errors?
Refractive errors occur when the eye isn’t able to focus light properly on the retina - the part of the eye that processes what we see. The result is blurred or distorted vision. The three most common types are myopia (where distant objects appear blurry), hyperopia (where close-up things are hard to see), and astigmatism (which causes overall distorted or fuzzy vision due to irregular curvature of the eye). While these conditions are often are common in adults, they are surprisingly common in children too - sometimes showing up as early as three years old.
What makes it tricky is that young children may not realise their vision is different - because most of the time they may not complain of vision issues because they assume everyone sees the world the way they do. That’s why it becomes so important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to be alert to signs - like squinting at the board, sitting unusually close to screens or books, frequent rubbing of the eyes, or losing their place while reading. Spotting these symptoms early can help ensure the child gets the support they need before their learning or development is affected.
Why timely correction matters
The early years of schooling are crucial for a child’s growth - not just academically, but emotionally and socially too. At this stage, clear vision plays a far bigger role than most of us realise. Whether it’s reading what’s written on the board, finishing worksheets, understanding lessons, or joining in group activities, so much of a child’s learning depends on how well they can see.
When a child face issues with vision, it doesn’t just show up in their marks - it can show up in their mood. They may fall behind in academic activities, become frustrated, or even withdraw from their peers. Some children may be wrongly labelled as inattentive or slow learners, when in reality - the reason is that they simply can’t see clearly.
When refractive errors go undetected, they can lead to more serious issues like amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.” In such cases, the brain begins to ignore the weaker eye, and if not treated before the age of 8-9 years, the vision loss may become permanent. The good news is that timely intervention - often just a simple pair of glasses - can prevent such complications and ensure healthy visual development.
Rising screen time and its impact
With children spending more hours than ever in front of digital screens, the rate of myopia (nearsightedness) has been rising. The link between increased screen exposure and rising vision issues isn’t just anecdotal - studies show that less time spent outdoors and prolonged near-work, like reading or staring at screens can increase the risk of developing myopia in kids. This makes regular eye check-ups all the more important in the post-pandemic schooling era.
The simplest way to stay ahead of this growing concern is by scheduling regular eye check-ups for your child. A short visit with your ophthalmologist once a year can catch early signs of myopia and other issues before they start affecting a child’s daily life or school performance. It’s a small step that can go a long way in ensuring children grow up with healthy, clear vision.
How often should children get eye tests?
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children have their first eye exam by the age of three, followed by annual or biannual screenings - especially if there is a family history of eye-related issues. Children with known refractive errors may need more frequent monitoring to ensure their prescription is updated as needed.
Simple solutions, lifelong benefits
The good news is that most cases - the refractive errors in children can be easily corrected with a simple pair of prescription glasses. Today’s eyewear isn’t what it used to be - modern advances in lenses now allow for lightweight, durable, and with anti-glare options are great for kids who spend time on screens or studying under bright lights. For older children or teenagers who may feel conscious about wearing glasses, contact lenses may also be an option - with proper medical supervision and guidance, of course.
Vision is not just about seeing - it’s about learning, experiencing, and thriving. A child who can’t see clearly is a child who can’t perform at their best. As parents, teachers and caregivers, we need to ensure that vision checks are not just optional, but essential, especially in early school years.
After all, a clear line of sight today can pave the way for a brighter academic future tomorrow.
(Dr Vineet Sehgal, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals)
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