Some children may have vision problems without realising that they are seeing differently, an eye-care professional has said, urging parents to prioritise early eye checks.
Tomisin Ayodele, a Dispensing Optician at Eyekon Innovation Optics Lab, said some children have vision problems from birth, while others develop them as they grow.
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Ms Ayodele said these could include short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism, while some children may also have different levels of vision in each eye.
“The important thing is to find out what is causing the problem rather than assuming every child who wears glasses has the same condition,” Ms Ayodele said.
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Why some children need glasses
Ms Ayodele said wearing glasses does not automatically mean that a child has a serious eye problem. According to her, glasses often correct how a child’s eyes focus light, helping the child see properly.
“What matters is finding the problem early and making sure the child gets the right prescription,” she said.
She added that children whose parents or close family members wear glasses may develop similar vision problems, although this is not guaranteed.
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“A child can need glasses even when nobody in the family wears them, and a child can also have perfectly good vision despite having parents who wear glasses,” she said.
Signs parents should watch for
Ms Ayodele said some signs of vision problems in children can be obvious.
She said parents should watch for squinting, sitting too close to the television, bringing books or phones close to the face, rubbing the eyes regularly and complaining of headaches.
Children may also struggle to copy what is written on the board, make unusual mistakes when reading or avoid activities because they cannot see well, she said.
“One thing parents should remember is that children may not complain because they think the way they see is normal,” Ms Ayodele said.
She therefore advised parents not to wait until a child complains before having their eyes checked.
Why early checks matter
Ms Ayodele said early identification and correction of vision problems can be particularly important while a child’s visual system is still developing.
“If a child needs glasses, giving them the correct prescription early can help them see properly while their visual system is still developing,” she said.
She said this was particularly important when one eye sees much better than the other, as leaving the problem untreated for too long could affect how the weaker eye develops.
“So, glasses are not just about making things look clearer; in some children, they are part of helping the eyes develop normally,” she said.
Refractive errors
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) identifies uncorrected refractive errors as the most common cause of vision impairment, noting that they can be corrected in most cases with spectacles or contact lenses.
The IAPB also notes that uncorrected refractive errors, particularly long-sightedness, can be associated with poor educational performance, while short-sightedness can also affect academic performance.
Refractive errors are common eye conditions where the shape of the eye stops light from focusing correctly on the retina, leading to blurry vision.
Another childhood vision problem is amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye. According to the IAPB, it can develop when the visual system does not receive a clear, focused image during childhood development.
In 2024, the Nigerian Optometric Association, Lagos State Chapter, called for mandatory eye examinations for children from preschool age, noting the importance of good eyesight to learning, growth and social interaction.
READ ALSO: PT HEALTH WATCH: Delayed treatment of childhood cataracts can lead to irreversible vision loss – Expert
Can screens cause children to need glasses?
Ms Ayodele said looking at a phone or watching television does not suddenly make a child need glasses.
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However, she said spending long periods on close-up activities, particularly with little time outdoors, can contribute to the development or worsening of short-sightedness in children.
She said screens can also cause temporary problems such as tired eyes, dryness and headaches.
Rather than banning screens completely, Ms Ayodele advised parents to encourage breaks, keep screens at a reasonable distance and ensure children spend enough time outdoors.
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