The Vice Dean of the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Enyam Komla Amewuho Morny says vision impairment not only affects a child’s ability to see but can also hinder their academic performance.
He explains that children with vision problems may struggle in school and their day-to-day activities, underscoring the importance of regular eye check-ups.
Speaking on the World Sight Day theme, “Children, Love Your Eyes,” on ATL FM’s Atlantic Wave, he said untreated vision issues can hinder children’s academic performance, making it harder for them to excel in school.
This year’s World Sight Day theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of eye care for young people.
Dr. Morny noted that ensuring proper eye care is essential for the overall well-being and development of children.
Dr. Michael Ntodie, Head of the Department of Clinical Optometry at the University of Cape Coast, also emphasized the need for vigilance.
He said about 90% of visual impairment exhibit effects of various visual disorders in the eye impairing vision or limiting one’s ability to see.
Additionally, he stated that 90% of the visually impaired are women and children as well as the poorest of the poor developing countries.
He pointed out that common conditions like refractive errors and other visual impairments can easily go unnoticed, leading to long-term effects if not treated early.
“So, it makes sense that this year, we should focus on kids. In our context, there are various visual disorders. We do not have a national study, but pockets of studies across Ghana revealed that uncorrected refractive error or vision defect limited to short-sightedness.”
He encouraged parents to be proactive in seeking early diagnosis and treatment for vision problems their children may face.
Dr. Ntodie cited abnormal head posture, rubbing the eye, or having no interest in distant activities as key behavioural indicators a child with vision problem may exhibit.
He explained “If a child has an abnormal head posture, perhaps if they have what we call cross eyes. So, one of the eyes turns out and presents a double vision to the brain. It creates confusion in the brain. So, in order for the brain to shut one image off the child him/herself will adapt to that double image by trying to tilt the head so that only one image goes to the brain.”
“If you observe the child uninterested in distant activities, their environment is limited to immediate arm’s length. It means they probably do not see it from afar so they are not interested. So, you might think this is behavioural and trace its origin to their eyes.”
Dr. Michael Ntodie reiterated that parents and caregivers should be on the lookout for signs such as squinting, frequent eye rubbing, difficulty reading, or a child sitting too close to the television, all of which could suggest an underlying issue.
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Source: Deborah Kwapong/ATLFMNEWS
