Visual health is essential for the comprehensive development of children, as clear and healthy vision directly impacts their academic performance, self-esteem, and social and family well-being.
Numerous studies show that undiagnosed vision problems can negatively affect both academic performance and the ability to socialize and participate in activities.
To address this crucial aspect, the Rafa Nadal Foundation, together with Clínica Baviera and with the collaboration of the One Sight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, has launched a program to provide free eye exams for children at our Rafa Nadal Foundation Centers.
This program has already been implemented in Madrid and is currently active in Valencia, with plans to launch in Palma early next year. In total, 500 children and adolescents will receive assistance through this initiative, including corrective glasses for those who need them and sunglasses for daily protection.
Common Vision Problems in Children and Their Consequences
Some of the most common visual issues in childhood include strabismus, myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, and amblyopia or “lazy eye.” While many of these conditions are treatable, they can have significant consequences if not detected early, especially in the school setting.
- Strabismus: This condition is characterized by the misalignment of the eyes, affecting depth perception and distance calculation, which are important in activities like sports. In the classroom, a child may have difficulty concentrating or feel different from their peers, impacting their self-esteem and social interactions.
- Myopia and Hyperopia: Myopia affects the ability to see distant objects clearly, while hyperopia hinders near vision. In class, a child with myopia might struggle to see the board, impacting their ability to follow lessons and potentially causing delays in learning and participation. Children with hyperopia often experience difficulty with close-up tasks like reading and writing, which can lead to headaches and demotivation, affecting academic performance and engagement.
- Astigmatism: This condition causes image distortion due to irregular curvature of the cornea, impacting overall vision. In class, children with astigmatism may find it challenging to focus on text in books or on the board, causing visual fatigue and reducing interest in reading or studying.
- Amblyopia or “Lazy Eye”: Amblyopia is partial vision loss in one or both eyes. Early in life, lazy eye can be corrected, but if left untreated, it can impact a child’s ability to read or do close-up tasks, affecting their academic performance. This can also impact their confidence, especially if peers begin to notice the issue.
Addressing these issues early is essential, as the visual system mainly develops until around 7–8 years, a period when the brain is still highly adaptable to treatments.
The Importance of Eye Exams
To ensure vision problems are detected and treated in a timely manner, regular eye exams from a young age are crucial. An initial exam is recommended around the first year of life, with a comprehensive evaluation between 2–3 years of age, followed by annual check-ups. Regular exams help detect issues early, preventing potential complications that could affect a child’s quality of life, academic experience, and social relationships.
When eye exams are not conducted in time, undiagnosed vision problems can impact children in numerous ways. For example, a child who cannot see the board well may become easily distracted, lose track of lessons, and eventually become demotivated towards learning. This can lead to a lower performance compared to peers and a decrease in self-confidence. Socially, the frustration of poor vision may cause the child to avoid activities like sports or group play, where clear vision is essential. Thus, untreated vision issues can cause a child to lose interest in activities and miss out on opportunities to develop social and interpersonal skills.
Tips for Visual Health in Childhood
In addition to regular eye exams, the Rafa Nadal Foundation, in collaboration with Clínica Baviera ophthalmologists, recommends following these tips to maintain healthy vision in children:
- Look for Warning Signs: Eye itching, blurry vision, getting too close to the television or books, or having red eyes by the end of the day are signs of possible visual problems. Identifying these early and seeking help can be key to effective intervention.
- Monitor Screen Time: Excessive screen use can cause visual fatigue and is linked to early-onset myopia. Limiting screen time and taking regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule — resting the eyes every 20 minutes for 20 seconds by looking at an object 6 meters away — is recommended.
- Additionally, follow the 30-40-50 rule: maintain a distance of 30 cm from mobile phones, 40 cm from tablets, and 50 cm from computers. For children under 2 years, it is best to avoid screens altogether; for those aged 3–5, limit screen use to no more than one hour per day, and set clear limits for children over 6 years old.
- Encourage Outdoor Activities: Spending time outdoors reduces screen use and supports healthy visual development due to exposure to natural light.
- Use Sunglasses and Swim Goggles: Sunglasses protect against UV radiation, and swim goggles prevent eye irritation from pool chemicals.
A Commitment to Childhood Visual Health
At the Rafa Nadal Foundation, we know that good vision is essential for a happy and unrestricted development. Thanks to our partnership with Clínica Baviera and One Sight, this eye care program allows us to assist 500 children in our centers. Each child will receive the corrective glasses they need and a pair of sunglasses for preventive care. This initiative aims to prevent visual problems from impacting their academic and social experience, supporting their learning, self-esteem, and growth as individuals.
