A child's eye health plays an essential role in their development, learning and well-being. Yet many vision problems go completely unnoticed, because a child generally does not know that they cannot see well.
At Michils Opticiens in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, we regularly see young patients with a vision problem who have never complained about it. That is why regular eye checks are essential, even when there are no symptoms.
Why doesn't a child say they cannot see well?
Unlike adults, a child has nothing to compare with. For them, what they see is normal.
A child with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or a lazy eye can adapt perfectly well without expressing the slightest difficulty.
The signs are often subtle:
- they hold books or screens close;
- they squint to look into the distance;
- they tire quickly when reading;
- they lack concentration at school;
- they suffer from headaches;
- they close one eye or tilt their head to see better.
These symptoms are not always present. That is why only an eye examination can detect certain problems.
At what age should a child's eyes be examined?
Even without any particular signs, it is recommended to have your child's vision checked regularly by an ophthalmologist.
Early screening makes it possible to detect visual anomalies quickly, before they affect the development of vision or school results. The earlier a problem is treated, the better the chances of correcting it.
Lazy eye: an often invisible condition
Amblyopia, also called "lazy eye", is one of the most common vision problems in children.
In this situation, one eye works normally while the brain favours the other eye. The child therefore sees correctly with both eyes open, which makes the problem practically impossible to detect without a specific examination.
Sometimes a squint attracts the parents' attention. But in many cases, no outward sign is visible.
Without early treatment, this reduced vision can become permanent in adulthood. Screening carried out early enough usually gives excellent results.
Do screens increase the risk?
Today, children use smartphones, tablets and computers more than ever.
Prolonged near vision use, combined with too little time spent outdoors, is recognised as a factor that encourages the development of myopia in some children. Specialists therefore recommend limiting long periods in front of screens and encouraging outdoor activities.
What to do if glasses are prescribed?
After the ophthalmologist's diagnosis, choosing glasses is an important step.
A suitable frame must:
- be comfortable;
- stay securely on the face;
- withstand everyday activities;
- provide optimal vision in all positions.
At Michils Opticiens, we support children from a very young age to choose a frame perfectly suited to their face and their prescription.
Reimbursement of children's glasses
In Belgium, children's glasses can qualify for an INAMI contribution as well as an additional reimbursement from many health insurance funds, subject to certain conditions.
Michils Opticiens is INAMI-approved, which allows our young patients to receive the reimbursement they are entitled to. We also help families with the paperwork.
Have your child's eyes checked
A simple eye examination can detect a problem that would otherwise go completely unnoticed.
If your child is having difficulties at school, complains of tired eyes or has never had a complete eye check, don't wait.
At Michils Opticiens in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, we work closely with ophthalmologists and support children in choosing their first glasses with all the attention they deserve.
Because good vision is an essential part of their success and well-being.
Read also: what about the rest of the family? See our age-by-age eye test guide, from childhood to over 60.