School holidays are almost here — and for many families in Hurstville and the Georges River area, that means sleep-ins, catch-ups with friends, and yes… a whole lot of screen time. While the break is well-earned, it can also be a critical period for your child’s eyesight.
If your child already wears glasses or you’ve noticed them squinting at the board, the school holidays are actually one of the best times to take action on myopia control. Here’s why — and what you can do about it.
Why School Holidays Can Worsen Myopia
Myopia (short-sightedness) in children doesn’t just happen overnight — it progresses gradually, and certain habits can speed that process up significantly.
During the school term, children have structured days with outdoor breaks, sports, and limited device time. Holidays? Not so much. Research consistently shows that two key risk factors drive myopia progression in children:
- Extended near work — hours of gaming, scrolling, and streaming
- Reduced outdoor time — less natural light exposure, which is crucial for eye development
For children who are already myopic, school holidays can mean weeks of unchecked screen time right when their eyes are most vulnerable to change. And the younger a child develops myopia, the more aggressive its progression tends to be.
What is Myopia Control — and Does My Child Need It?
Myopia control refers to a range of treatments designed to slow down the rate at which a child’s prescription worsens. It’s not about curing myopia — it’s about keeping it from progressing to high myopia levels, which carry serious long-term risks including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and vision impairment later in life.
At Viewpoint Optical in Hurstville, we offer clinically proven myopia control options including:
- MiyoSmart lenses — specially designed spectacle lenses that correct vision while slowing myopia progression
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) — custom overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea
- Myopia control contact lenses — worn during the day for children ready for contacts
- Personalised monitoring and management plans tailored to your child
If you’re unsure whether your child needs myopia control, the holidays are the perfect window to find out. There’s no rush, no school schedule to work around, and plenty of time to discuss options with our optometrist.
Signs It’s Time to Book an Eye Test
Not sure if your child needs a check-up? Look out for these common signs:
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding devices right up to their face
- Squinting or tilting their head to see clearly
- Complaining of headaches, especially after reading or screen time
- Struggling to read the board at school
- It’s been more than 12 months since their last comprehensive eye examination
Even if your child isn’t showing obvious symptoms, regular eye exams are essential. Many children don’t realise their vision is blurry because they’ve never known anything different.
Make the Most of the Break
School holidays don’t have to be all about damage control. Here are a few simple habits that can actually support your child’s eye health over the break:
- Aim for at least 90 minutes of outdoor time each day — natural daylight is one of the best protectors against myopia progression
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Encourage breaks between gaming or streaming sessions
- Book that overdue eye exam while they have time off school
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📅 Book Your Child’s Eye Test These Holidays Don’t wait until the next school term to find out your child’s vision has changed. Viewpoint Optical in Hurstville offers comprehensive children’s eye examinations and personalised myopia control consultations. 📞 Call us today on 02 8021 2298 or visit us in Hurstville to schedule an appointment. |