Why to Take Your Child for a Back-to-School Eye Exam

The summer vacation is over, and it is time for the children to return to school. Most parents are busy preparing school supplies that their children need in school. Their kids are excited to meet their friends at school again. Amid all this excitement, you may forget to schedule an eye exam for your child.

 

A yearly eye exam for your child is essential to ensure that their vision is strong and their eyes are developing normally. Because they are growing, children may have vision issues that are still in the early stages. It is of great benefit to your child to have an eye doctor check their eyes regularly to correct any issues early.

 

Here are some reasons you should take your child for a back-to-school eye exam.

 

Children Are Generally Unaware of Vision Problems

According to experts, one in every four children has an undiagnosed vision problem. Young children with vision issues probably think how they see is normal for everyone. Also, the brain usually adjusts the senses if there is a problem with one sense. It compromises, which means it would be tough for a child to notice any issues with their vision.

It is therefore up to parents to observe their children for subtle changes that indicate poor vision. Some signs of poor vision may be covering one eye, short attention span, and holding reading material close to the face, among others.

Vision Problems That Are Undiagnosed Affect Learning

80% of the learning that happens in school is visual. This means that a child with vision problems will be severely affected. Their confidence and education will suffer because they will have a harder time understanding what the instructor is teaching. 

Children need good vision to boost skills in comprehension; that is, to visualize a story. It is also essential to recall the details they see in class. Good vision is vital for seeing things in the distance like the chalkboard and close stuff like books and computers. If a child lacks good visual acuity, they will have to work much harder to keep up with their peers.

Common Vision Problems

Your child may have 20/20 vision but still develop vision problems that can affect them in school. Some of these are eye coordination, eye tracking, and eye focusing. Other issues that may develop as your child grows are astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia. These may all cause blurry vision, which affects learning ability. 

 

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Wear Contact Lenses?

Kids can wear contact lenses but usually need to be above 12 years old and willing to take responsibility. Contact lenses can be a quick way for a child to develop an eye infection, especially if they sleep in them.

 

It is best to wait for the child to grow older and create a sense of responsibility before getting them contact lenses. You may find that your child prefers contacts to glasses because they are less inconvenient for most activities.

 

Does My Child Need an Eye Exam If They Have Prescription Glasses?

Prescription glasses for children should be checked annually. It is because their eyes continuously grow until they reach their late teenage years.

For more information on the importance of your child having a back-to-school eye exam, contact Marshall EyeCare at our office in Aberdeen, New Jersey. Call (732) 837-0988 to book an appointment today.