I'm an eye surgeon and a mother, here's what I watch for in my children's eyes

Editor’s Note: In this fortnightly column, top doctors share how they deal with their own health challenges, offering readers expert insight grounded in experience. Read more such stories here.It is common for people to assume that because I am a paediatric ophthalmologist, my children must be protected from eye problems. But being an eye specialist does not make me any less of a parent. Medical training may help me recognise vision problems, but when it comes to raising children, I experience the same fears and concerns as every other mother.One thing I have learnt through my years of practice is that children do not always complain about poor vision. In fact, some children may not realise that they have difficulty seeing until they are 12 or 13 years old.This is why many vision problems go unnoticed until they begin affecting a child's education, sports or everyday activities. As a mother and an eye surgeon, there are certain signs I pay close attention to in my children. Even when life gets busy, these are the things I never overlook.SQUINTING, EVEN OCCASIONALLYOne of the first things I watch out for is squinting. I pay attention if my children squint while watching television, reading a book or looking at something in the distance. Many parents dismiss squinting as a habit. However, it could indicate that the eyes are trying to focus better. It may be an early sign of a refractive error such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.In my clinic, I often meet children who are struggling academically, only to discover that they cannot see the classroom board clearly.Children may not always come forward and tell us that they are having difficulty seeing. Instead, as parents, we need to recognise the signs they show through their behaviour.CLOSING ONE EYE IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHTAnother sign I never ignore is when a child regularly closes one eye while outdoors or in bright sunlight.Parents may find this behaviour surprising, but it could indicate an underlying eye problem. In some cases, it may even be associated with squint. As an eye surgeon, I am particularly attentive to these signs. But as a mother, I know I would never overlook it in my own children.If I notice that my child is repeatedly closing one eye in bright light, I would want to get it examined rather than assume it is a harmless habit.SITTING TOO CLOSE TO SCREENSDigital devices have become a regular part of children's lives, whether for studying, entertainment or communication. At the same time, childhood myopia has been increasing across the world.I become concerned when I notice a child sitting too close to the television, holding a book very close to their eyes or bringing a screen unusually close to their face. These behaviours could indicate an underlying vision problem and should not be ignored. The earlier a refractive error is detected, the better the chances of managing it.I do not believe that screens need to be banned completely. Instead, I focus on encouraging reasonable screen habits, regular breaks and sufficient time outdoors.FREQUENT EYE RUBBINGOccasional eye rubbing is normal. However, persistent or excessive eye rubbing is something I would never dismiss.When children rub their eyes frequently, it could be due to allergies, dry eyes, fatigue or uncorrected vision problems. Excessive eye rubbing may also be associated with certain medical conditions, such as keratoconus, in which the cornea gradually becomes thinner and changes shape.As a mother and a doctor, I am keen to understand why a child is rubbing their eyes repeatedly. Rather than simply asking them to stop, I believe it is more important to identify the underlying cause. If I notice that eye rubbing is happening too often, I would recommend getting the child's eyes examined.HEADACHES AND EYE STRAINWhen a child complains of a headache, parents may initially think it is due to inadequate sleep, dehydration or stress from schoolwork.While these factors can certainly contribute, I also believe it is important to consider the possibility of a vision problem.Uncorrected refractive errors, particularly hypermetropia or farsightedness, can cause headaches. These may become more noticeable after prolonged time at work, such as reading or studying.This is why I believe an eye examination should be included when investigating recurrent headaches in children.A SUDDEN CHANGE IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCESometimes, the first indication of a vision problem is not an eye-related complaint but a sudden decline in academic performance.A child who cannot clearly see what is written on the classroom board may gradually lose interest in lessons. Another child may struggle with reading because of difficulty focusing.These challenges can sometimes be mistaken for attention-related or learning difficulties. I always encourage parents to consider an eye exam when they notice a sudden change in their child's academic performance, especially if the child is also struggling to read or see the board.THE SILENT THREAT: LAZY EYEOne condition I pay particular attention to is amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye.Amblyopia affects vision during childhood and can involve one eye. What makes it particularly concerning is that parents may not notice any obvious symptoms. A child may appear perfectly normal because the stronger eye compensates for the weaker one.The good news is that amblyopia can be treated successfully when diagnosed early, ideally before the age of seven.However, delayed diagnosis can result in permanent vision loss in the affected eye. This is one of the reasons I strongly believe in regular eye examinations, even when children do not appear to have any vision-related complaints.WHAT I DO AT HOME AS A MOTHERParents often ask me whether I follow a specific routine to protect my children's eyesight. My answer is yes, but it is not particularly complicated.First, I make sure my children's eyes are examined regularly, even when there are no apparent problems.I also encourage them to spend time outdoors and participate in outdoor games. Research indicates that spending time outdoors can help prevent myopia.Screen time is another aspect I keep track of. Digital media is an important part of our lives today, so I do not try to eliminate screens. Instead, I focus on maintaining a balance.I encourage regular breaks during prolonged screen use and make sure my children get enough opportunities for outdoor activities.Nutrition also plays a role in overall eye health. I believe in providing a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, proteins and essential nutrients.There is no particular food or diet that can guarantee that a child will never need glasses. However, good nutrition supports overall health, including eye health.WHY EARLY EYE CHECK-UPS MATTERThe most important advice I give parents is simple: do not wait for symptoms to appear.Routine examinations can identify many childhood eye conditions, even before parents realise something may be wrong.As a paediatric eye doctor, I have treated several children whose lives improved significantly after an eye condition was diagnosed early. But as a mother, I also understand how easy it is to assume that everything is fine simply because a child has not complained.The reality is that children may not always realise that their vision is not normal. This is why I believe every child should undergo a thorough eye examination by an eye specialist by around three years of age, even if parents have not noticed any problems.Much childhood eye conditions can be treated successfully when detected early. Missing that window of opportunity may mean that complete recovery is no longer possible.As an eye surgeon and a mother, this is one lesson I want every parent to remember: never assume that your child's eyes are healthy simply because they have not complained about their vision.Dr Jai Kelkar, Director, NIO Super Specialty Hospital- Ends