Child eye health

New research shows Aussie mums losing focus on child eye health

New research findings* released today reveal Aussie mums are not focusing attention on their children's eye health, ranking it as one of their lowest priorities.

In a list of potential priority health areas for children, ranging from brain development to skin care, Aussie mums with children under the age of four rated eye health near the bottom of the list, alongside hearing and oral care (7%).

Adding further cause for concern, nearly half (42%) of mums surveyed have never discussed their child's eye health with a healthcare professional and over two-thirds (69%) of children have never had an eye examination.

This could be because over half (59%) of mothers are not aware that the developing eye undergoes many complex anatomical changes, particularly in the first six months.

"Eye health should be a priority for all Australians, regardless of age. Prevention is certainly better than cure, and ensuring adequate eye checks occur from birth is critical. Mums should feel at ease going to their healthcare professional - whether it's a GP, pharmacist or nurse - about their child's eye health," comments Chief Executive Officer of The Eye Foundation, Jacinta Spurrett.

The Eye Foundation Board Director and paediatric ophthalmologist, Professor Frank Martin comments further: "Optimal eye health starts from birth and should continue to be top of mind into adulthood. Parents can work together with their healthcare professional to ensure their child's eyes get the best start in life - ensuring the necessary checks and examinations are conducted at appropriate developmental milestones."

Encouragingly, nearly all mums (90%) recognise nutrition plays a very important role in the health and development of young eyes. Numerous nutrients acting in an integrated manner are needed to ensure eyes develop properly - including Vitamin A, Taurine, Omega 3 and Lutein, a clever antioxidant which helps shield developing eyes.

Parents can learn more about their children's eye health by visiting the Eye Foundation website (www.eyefoundation.org.au) or the 'Eye Health Centre' which shows how a child's eye develops and includes more information about Lutein - www.wyethnutrition.com.au.

New findings (amongst 258 mums with children aged four and under conducted March 2010)

· Over two thirds (69%) of kids under four have never had an eye examination. In young babies (0-12 months) the figure is even higher, with nearly three quarters (74%) never having an eye examination

· Mums are prioritising sleep (16%), weight and growth (15%) and immunisation (15%) over the development of delicate organs - the eyes (7%) and ears (7%)

· A significant proportion of mums (53%) are not proactive with their child's eyes or understand the level of checks required - viewing the need for eye examinations only 'when necessary'.

· Nearly half of mums (42%) have never discussed their baby's eye health with a healthcare professional - mainly because they weren't aware they needed to (35%) or their healthcare professional never raised it (34%)

· Many mums (73%) do appreciate babies eyes are most susceptible to harsh light

· The GP is the main influence (54%) on Aussie mums' decisions as to which health areas to prioritise, closely followed by family and friends (47%)

· Nearly half (46%) of mums feel they do not receive enough information from healthcare professionals on their child's eye health

· Only 14% of mums have had their child's eyes examined yearly; this is despite one-third of mums (33%) stating their child's eyes should be examined every year.

Issued on behalf of Wyeth Nutrition & The Eye Foundation by Cube.
28 June 2010