General EYE ADVICE

Recommendations:

(i) Timely eye examinations are important. Every child should have a thorough eye examination before starting school. This will reveal any weaknesses which may already exist before the child is challenged by the visual demands of schooling. This enables appropriate measures to be taken to help prevent worsening of any undesirable tendencies of the visual system.

A further eye examination is recommended around the time of commencing high school, as a greater demand is expected on the visual system. This concept of being ready for the task is generally true for many tasks and applies to anyone at any age who is contemplating on significantly increasing the demand on their visual system.

(ii) Sun protection should be encouraged for people of all ages. Children may suffer radiation damage that may be cumulative and may not show up until at an older age. Hats and sunglasses should be strongly encouraged at all times when children are exposed to the sun.

(iii) Good visual hygiene or proper use of the eyes is essential in order to maintain good vision. The following appendix is taken from a handout that we give to patients in our clinics who have vision problems related to the use of their eyes. If computers are used, see Part II (C) as well.

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Appendix (I)