The back-to-school season is a whirlwind of excitement and preparation. New backpacks, books, and pencils are often at the top of the checklist, but there is one essential step that should not be overlooked: scheduling a back-to-school eye exam for your child.
Back to School Eye Examination: An Essential Piece of Your Child’s Education
Clear Vision is essential for learning
Did you know that approximately 80% of what your child learns is through their visual system? When a child has undetected vision problems, it can significantly impact their academic performance. Struggling to see the board, read textbooks, or even focus on a computer screen can lead to frustration and hinder their ability to absorb information effectively. An eye exam can identify any vision issues that might be affecting your child’s learning experience.
Detecting Vision Problems Early
Children might not always be aware of vision problems, and the signs can be subtle. Therefore, regular eye examinations are crucial to catch potential issues early on.
7 Common Signs of Vision Problems to watch out for:
· Complains of frequent headaches, eye pain or double vision
· Struggles to concentrate
· Squints or reads with one eye closed
· Confuses similar looking words
· Shows signs of poor reading comprehension
· Loses his/her place when reading or uses his/her finger to keep their space
· Handwriting is terrible
When conducting a comprehensive eye exam, a range of problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and even eye health concerns, for example eye allergies.
Eye Health Matters
An eye exam does not only assess vision, but it also evaluates the overall health of the eyes. Conditions like lazy eyes (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus) and even diseases such as glaucoma can be detected. Detecting these issues early can prevent long-term complications and ensure that your child’s eyes remain healthy.
Prescription Updates
Children’s eyes can change rapidly as they grow. What might have been a suitable prescription last year, might not provide clear vision this year. Getting an updated prescription for the new school year is essential to ensure your child’s eyesight remains optimal, allowing them to excel in their academic pursuits and extramural activities.
Digital Eye Strain Protection
In today’s digital age, children spend a significant amount of time looking at screens (unfortunately) - whether it is computers, tablets or smartphones. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, causing symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. Our optometrists can provide valuable advice on how to minimize digital eye strain and recommend appropriate measures, such as specialized lenses or screen-time management techniques.
Personalized Approach
We understand that every child is unique, and their eye care should be too. Our optometrists tailor their approach to each child’s specific needs, ensuring a personalized experience and the best possible outcome.
Clear vision is not just about seeing the board clearly, it is about unlocking the full spectrum of educational opportunities. After all, clear vision today promises a bright and focused future for our young learners.
CLEAR VISION = BRIGHT FUTURE
Written by: Sonja Boost