Children’s eye exams in Dubai: Why regular check-ups are essential

 

This blog has been contributed by Dr. Imran Jawaid, Consultant Ophthalmologist in Paediatric ophthalmology and  strabismus surgery

As parents, we do everything possible to support our children’s development and well-being. Vision plays a vital role in a child’s overall growth, supporting learning, movement, and communication from an early age. Yet, one area that can easily be overlooked is eyesight.

Research predicts that conditions such as myopia (short-sightedness) will increase from 27% of the world’s population to 52% by 2050. Moreover, the younger a child is when becoming myopic, the more myopic they will become and the higher the risks of vision-related complications in the future.

Let us take a closer look at why paediatric eye exams in Dubai are so crucial.

Why are regular eye exams essential for children?

Good vision is essential for a child’s development. Unlike adults, young children might not recognise or express that they have a vision problem. This is commonly the case when they have conditions such as near sightedness, farsightedness, and lazy eye. They may assume that everyone sees the way they do, which means they could struggle at school or avoid certain activities without anyone realising the actual cause. Early detection through regular eye exams for children can lead to timely interventions, allowing children to grow, learn, and fully participate in school and everyday life.

What are the most common childhood eye conditions?

Eye conditions can affect children, and early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Some of the most common include:

• Refractive errors: Myopia (short-sightedness), hypermetropia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism.
• Strabismus: Known as a squint or crossed eyes, which can affect depth perception and visual appearance.
• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): This is a condition in which the brain favours one eye over the other.
• Eye allergies and infections: These cause redness, irritation, or discharge, particularly in younger children.

When should Children have eye exams?

In addition to vision-related checks with your Paediatrician, we recommend that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at around six months old, followed by another at three years of age and then again before starting school. After that, exams every one to two years are advised, or more frequently if your child already has a diagnosed eye condition or significant family history.

With increased exposure to digital screens and close-up work in schools and nurseries, regular eye health monitoring is especially important. Parents should consider booking an exam with a Paediatric eye specialist if their child:

• Squints or tilts their head when looking at objects
• Sits too close to the television or holds books too close
• Struggles with reading or maintaining attention
• Complains of headaches or tired eyes
• Shows signs of clumsiness or poor coordination
• Frequently rubs their eyes or blinks excessively

What happens during a children’s vision screening?

A paediatric eye exam is tailored to suit a child’s age and developmental level. Let us take a closer look at what happens during an exam:

• Meeting Multiple Specialists: Your child will be seen by several specialists, including orthoptists, optometrists, and paediatric ophthalmologists, ensuring a comprehensive review of their eye health.
• Vision testing: Age-appropriate methods to assess how well your child sees with our highly qualified orthoptic team.
• Eye alignment and movement: This exam includes checks to see how well both eyes work together and detect any strabismus (misalignment of the eyes).
• Eye examination: The eyes’ internal structures are examined in detail, sometimes with pupil dilation or using specialist child-friendly imaging if necessary.

What are the treatment options for Children’s eye conditions

When it comes to treating your child’s eye condition, there are both non-surgical and surgical options available to help ensure they receive the best care possible. At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, we provide advanced treatments supported by the latest technology:

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses: The simplest and most common treatments for refractive errors such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism in children. Eyeglasses are often the first line of treatment to help your child see better, while contact lenses offer an alternative to glasses for active children who might find glasses cumbersome.
• Myopia management includes specialist spectacle lenses, orthokeratology (Ortho-K), eyedrops (low-concentration atropine), and soft contact lenses. We will assess your child’s eyes and work with you to find the most appropriate solution to help slow down their myopia (short-sightedness). There is a wide range of options, and at Moorfields, we have access to the latest technology.
• Patching: Used primarily to treat amblyopia (lazy eye), patching involves covering the stronger eye so the weaker eye is forced to work harder. This method can help improve vision in the affected eye over time.
• Atropine occlusion: Drops can be used in the treatment of lazy eye to blur the vision in the ‘good eye’ to encourage the brain to use the weaker eye, helping to improve the vision.

Surgical Treatments

For conditions such as squint (Strabismus), where non-surgical methods did not treat the condition, surgical intervention may be recommended.  This procedure corrects misalignments in the eyes, improving not only eye alignment but also depth perception and overall vision.

Final thoughts

Children’s eye health is crucial to their overall well-being. In a vibrant city like Dubai, where academic and visual demands are high, regular eye exams with children’s eye doctor are one of the most effective ways to support your child’s learning, behaviour, and social development.

If your child has not had an eye exam recently, or if you have noticed any signs of visual difficulty, it is important to get their eyes checked with a paediatric ophthalmologist. Early detection prevents future complications and gives children the best possible start in life.

At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, we are here to help your child see the world clearly—now and for years to come. Let us work together to ensure your child’s vision sets them up for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can screen time affect my child’s vision? Yes, it can. With digital screens becoming a regular part of daily routines, whether for learning or leisure, there has been a noticeable rise in eye strain and early-onset myopia in children (short-sightedness). Staring at screens for prolonged periods, especially up close, can cause discomfort, blurry vision, headaches, and fatigue. It may also encourage poor visual habits, such as holding devices too close to the eyes or forgetting to blink, which affects tear film stability and eye moisture.

To help your child, include techniques like the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away), setting appropriate screen limits, and ensuring balanced visual activities, such as outdoor playtime. These small habits can go a long way in protecting your child’s developing vision.

2. My child is afraid of doctors—how do you handle nervous children? We understand that visiting a hospital can be daunting for little ones, especially if it is their first eye exam. That is why our entire paediatric eye care environment is designed to feel calm, safe, and welcoming. Our staff are specially trained in working with children and use gentle, playful, and engaging techniques to build trust.

We allow children to familiarise themselves with the equipment, explain each step in a fun and friendly way, and offer positive reinforcement throughout. Parents are always encouraged to stay by their child’s side during the exam, and we never rush the process. Our goal is not just to complete the assessment but to make it a positive experience your child will be comfortable returning to.

3. How long does a children’s eye exam take? A typical comprehensive children’s eye exam takes around 30 to 60 minutes. The exact duration depends on your child’s age, cooperation, and whether additional tests, such as pupil dilation or retinal imaging, are needed. We always aim for a thorough yet efficient experience, balancing accuracy with your child’s comfort.

You will have time to discuss any concerns, and we will ensure your child gets the focused attention they deserve. We recommend allowing a little extra time in your schedule, especially for first-time visits or if your child has specific vision needs.

4. Can poor vision affect my child’s behaviour or school performance? Yes, and quite significantly. Many children with vision issues may appear distracted, inattentive, or reluctant to engage in activities like reading or sports, not because of behavioural problems but simply because they are not seeing clearly. This can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, or even being misdiagnosed with learning difficulties.

A simple eye exam can reveal if vision is the underlying cause. With early intervention, whether through glasses, eye exercises, or other treatments, we can make a dramatic difference in your child’s ability to learn and thrive both academically and socially.

5. Do you offer eye care for children with special needs? Absolutely. We are proud to offer inclusive and compassionate eye care for children with developmental delays, autism, Down syndrome, and other neurological, behavioural or learning conditions. Our team takes extra time and care to understand each child’s unique needs, tailoring our approach accordingly.

Whether it means adapting communication, simplifying tests, or creating a sensory-friendly environment, we aim to make every child’s experience as smooth and positive as possible. Every child deserves clear vision; we are here to help them achieve it.

6. How often should children with glasses or existing conditions be seen? Children who already wear glasses or have known vision conditions should typically be seen every 6 to 12 months, depending on their case. Frequent monitoring allows us to check for prescription changes, ensure treatments are working effectively, and make timely adjustments.

At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, we offer ongoing care and support as your child grows. Regular follow-ups are a key part of safeguarding their long-term visual development.