![]()
Thousands of primary schools across the country have been warned about the importance of good eye health amongst young people.
More than 23,000 letters have been sent to primary school head teachers across the nation reiterating the importance of regular eye tests - particularly for those with childhood short-sightedness.
The letters were drafted by the Optical Confederation and point out the impact that poor vision can have on both development and behaviour, which highlights the importance of
vision correction treatments such as Ortho K overnight contact lenses - a tried and tested
cure for childhood short-sightedness.
Part of the Children's Eye Care Initiative, the letter noted that while vision problems amongst school pupils are relatively common, without regular eye tests they often go undiagnosed and their impacts can be far reaching - even causing problems later in life.
The letters suggest that children get vision problems seen to as soon as possible, noting that conditions such as lazy eye can be treated if they are caught early enough.
Optometrist Polly Dulley, chairman of the Optical Confederation's Children's Campaign, said: "We want to ensure that all children starting school this September are encouraged to see their local optician for a free NHS Sight Test."
Dulley added that a child's vision is actively developing during school age and "if vision problems are identified and treated, it can make a difference that lasts a lifetime".
Recently, Dr Seang-Mei Saw, from the National University of Singapore, claimed that children who read lots of books are more likely to encounter vision problems such as short-sightedness.
Dr Saw's research also showed that reading at night had a negligible effect on the progression of myopia amongst young people.
Ortho K overnight corrective lenses have been shown to not only correct myopia, but in some cases halt its progression in children.
Written by Julia Paris
Eye Health: Find out if i-GO over night contact lenses will suit you.
