Ophthalmologist Prof. warns that routine eye examinations of school-age children should not be neglected. Dr. Halil İbrahim Altınsoy said, “More than 80 percent of learning occurs through the sense of sight. "Families can become aware of some eye disorders by watching their children's behavior and movements," he said.
Prof. from Dünyagöz Ankara Hospital said that the eyes undertake the most important function in the learning process of school-age children. Dr. Halil İbrahim Altınsoy said, “When problems such as visual impairments, strabismus and amblyopia encountered in school-age children are diagnosed and treated early, negativities that may occur in both school success and social life can be prevented. "For these reasons, routine eye examinations in children should not be interrupted," he said.
Emphasizing the importance of the role of parents in protecting children's eye health, Prof. Dr. Altınsoy underlined that it is possible for teachers, like parents, to have an idea about the state of eye health by monitoring children's behavior.
“Amblyopia should be treated before the age of 7”
"Refraction errors, amblyopia and strabismus are among the common eye problems in children," said Prof. Dr. Altınsoy said, “Most of these occur during the development period. Since eyes continue to develop throughout childhood, problems that may occur in childhood can lead to irreversible consequences later in life. "Especially amblyopia should be treated before the age of 7," he said.
“Turning his head to the side may be a sign of eye disorder.”
Prof. Dr. Altınsoy continued as follows:
“It may be possible for families to understand whether there are any problems with their eyes by watching their children's behavior. If the child looks closely at books and screen devices, follows with his hand while reading, complains of headache and eye pain, and tilts his head to the side, this may indicate that he has an eye disorder. With these complaints, results such as displaying restless behavior, not wanting to do homework, and decreasing success in classes may occur. "In this case, it is important for families to consult a specialist ophthalmologist for both their children's health and their success at school."
It is important to spend time outdoors
Prof. adds that the factors that slow down the progression of eye disorders cannot be determined precisely. Dr. Altınsoy said, “It may be useful to rest your eyes by looking away every 20 minutes during close work. Spending time outdoors as much as possible is thought to slow the progression of eye disorders. Children will not need close vision much; Playing games in outdoor parks and gardens where they can get sunlight is likely to slow down the progression of some eye disorders. Thanks to routine eye examination and early diagnosis, all these problems can be solved before they occur. "An annual eye examination for school-age children is a responsibility that families should not neglect," he said.