≡Table of Contents
Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Khattak
CEO FIO Hospitals & Consultant Ophthalmologist
Why Do Children's Eyes Need Special Attention?
The visual system is not fully developed at birth — it matures rapidly during the first 8–10 years of life, a period known as the "critical period" of visual development. During this window, the brain is actively learning to interpret signals from both eyes. If one eye sends a blurred or misaligned signal during this critical period, the brain may suppress that eye's input — a condition called amblyopia (lazy eye). Unlike adults, children rarely complain about poor vision in one eye because they simply adapt. This is why regular screening is so important.
When Should My Child's Eyes Be Checked?
We recommend a comprehensive eye examination at the following ages:
6 months: First formal assessment to check for gross visual response, eye alignment, and refractive errors that can affect development.
3 years: More detailed examination including visual acuity testing. This is the age when amblyopia becomes most treatable.
Before starting school (age 5–6): Essential, as undetected vision problems are a major contributor to learning difficulties.
Annually thereafter — especially important during the school years when myopia progression is most rapid.
What Warning Signs Should Every Parent Know?
Children often cannot articulate that they have a vision problem — they simply assume everyone sees the way they do. Watch for these signs:
Squinting: A child who squints to see the board or TV is attempting to improve focus by reducing the pupil aperture. This is a strong indicator of uncorrected refractive error.
Head tilting: Tilting the head to one side may indicate strabismus (misaligned eyes) or a compensatory posture to overcome a muscle imbalance.
Sitting very close to the TV: A classic sign of myopia. The child sits close because it is the only way to see clearly.
Frequent eye rubbing: While sometimes due to allergy, persistent rubbing — especially when attempting near tasks — can indicate eye strain or accommodative problems.
One eye turning in or out: Strabismus requires prompt evaluation and treatment. The earlier it is treated, the better the outcome.
Poor school performance: Many children labelled as having attention difficulties actually have uncorrected vision problems that make reading and board work difficult.
What Is Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) and How Is It Treated?
Amblyopia affects up to 3% of children worldwide and is the most common cause of monocular visual impairment in young people. It occurs when the brain, during the critical period, learns to favour one eye over the other — typically because of a large difference in refractive error between the two eyes, strabismus, or a physical obstruction (like a drooping eyelid). The brain simply ignores the weaker eye's input, and visual acuity in that eye fails to develop normally.
The good news: amblyopia is completely treatable if caught before the critical period closes — ideally before age 7–8. Treatment involves correcting the underlying cause (with glasses) and forcing the brain to use the weaker eye, typically through patching of the stronger eye for a prescribed number of hours per day.
Why Is Myopia Increasing in Children?
Myopia (short-sightedness) is increasing at an alarming rate globally, and Pakistan is not immune. Studies suggest that spending less than 2 hours per day outdoors significantly increases myopia risk, while excessive near work (reading, screens) exacerbates progression once myopia has begun. We recommend:
At least 2 hours of outdoor time daily — natural light exposure appears to be protective against myopia onset and progression.
The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes of near work, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
For children already developing progressive myopia, FIO Hospital offers evidence-based myopia control interventions including low-dose atropine eye drops and orthokeratology (overnight contact lenses that reshape the cornea and reduce progression during the day).
Schedule Your Child's Eye Examination Today
Early detection is everything. A comprehensive paediatric eye examination at FIO Hospital is painless, child-friendly, and takes approximately 45 minutes. Call +92 91-5812-391 to book an appointment at our Peshawar, Islamabad, or Karachi branch.
Read more about lazy eye and squint in children, visit our Paediatric Ophthalmology Centre, or book a child eye screening.