Eyesight change greatly as we age. When we are first born our eyesight isnt actually very good, being able to see and recognise all kind of shapes, especially faces. A childs eyesight continually develops over seven or eight years, but the main part of its development is over the first two years. This article provides you with some interesting background information and facts.

It is always good to keep in touch with your local optician at each stage of you or your childs eye development. Sometimes the developmental process goes wrong and the eyes do not develop as much as they should. Babies and toddlers eyesight is normally screened as part of their developmental checks, although these are not as thorough as an eye examination by an qualified optometrist. They can use a number of techniques and child-friendly tests to assess your childs eye health, development and function. A more accurate assessment can be made once the child can recognise shapes and letters. Although, an eye examination can be performed at any age. Consult your local optician for more information on eye tests

During the first 12 years of our lives, up to 80% of our learning is visually based. Many children struggle at school, simply because of eye-related problems. We have to remember that what a child sees is normal for them and may not realise that others can see clearer. There are a few tell-tale signs you can look out for: Does your child sit close to the TVS; do they rub their eyes repeatedly; do they complain of headaches or blurred vision?

Throughout our lives our bodies are continually growing and replacing cells. The same applies to our eyes. Generally our eyesight and prescription details remain relatively stable, with only subtle changes over time. Opticians recommend an eye test every two years for any adult between the ages of 16-60.

The natural aging process means that the eyes do not function the same throughout all our lives. Around the age of 45, everybodys eyesight starts to alter. You find some close-up tasks harder to focus on and have to push things further away. You may need more light to be able to read and you may even find yourself getting headaches when reading or using the VDU. This is a perfectly normal process called Presbyopia and is caused by the natural lens in your eye not being able to flex as it once did, causing near vision to seem blurred.

The aging process in the eyes does bring with it certain changes. The optical structures in the eyes become more opaque, leaving us needing more light to see clearly, especially if there are any cataract changes happening to the natural lens in the eye. The pupils of the eyes become smaller often making it more difficult to see especially at night. Floaters increase with age causing blobs to swim through the field of view. Often people find they eyes seem to be dryer and more uncomfortable either on waking or last thing at night.

Most people will have very few problems with their eyes. By using the correct spectacles, having regular eye tests at your local optician and by being aware of any changes happening to your eyes and eyesight, you can help your optician, help you look after your eyes.

Generally, if there are any problems the sooner they are dealt with, the better. If some cases, if a problem is left undetected it may mean the child has a defect, which cannot then be corrected. Qualified opticians do provide the appropriate eye tests, eye care and eye care products.