This article aims to inform you about the potential benefits of eyeglasses on academic performance. There is evidence to suggest that eyeglasses can improve visual acuity and potentially enhance overall academic performance in students with vision impairments.
Students' academic performance greatly affects their socialization and maturity. Poor academic performance can negatively impact students in social and emotional contexts. This is why it is critical to stay on top of your student's schoolwork.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the potential impact of eyeglasses on your child's academic success, and you may just discover it is time to get some glasses.
What Glasses Can Do for My Child’s Grades
The Research
The use of eyeglasses in children has been a topic of discussion regarding academic performance. A study conducted by Browning and Rigolon (2019) researched the relationship between wearing eyeglasses and academic performance in elementary school students.
The study found that wearing eyeglasses has a positive correlation with academic achievement. The results indicated that children who wore eyeglasses had better reading scores, vocabulary scores, and math scores compared to those who did not.
The researchers suggest that this could be due to the fact that wearing eyeglasses can improve visual acuity, which is necessary for academic success. Furthermore, eyeglasses can help children focus and concentrate better, which can lead to improved academic performance.
However, it is important to note that wearing eyeglasses alone may not be the sole solution to academic struggles, as other factors, such as learning disabilities or lack of access to educational resources, can also play a role.
Students With Vision Impairments
Eyeglasses have been shown to improve academic performance in children with vision problems. A study found that children who received glasses for uncorrected refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, showed significant improvement in academic performance compared to those who did not receive glasses.
The study showed that children who received glasses had an increase in their grades compared to those who did not receive glasses. This improvement in academic performance can be attributed to the fact that children are better able to see and focus on their schoolwork with the help of glasses.
Uncorrected vision problems can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty in reading, which can all negatively impact academic performance. Issues focusing on schoolwork or paying attention in the classroom can result in bad grades, which is a leading cause of social isolation among students.
Poor academic performance can cause students to isolate themselves or could cause others to ostracize the student. This is why it is important to have your child’s vision checked to see if glasses are needed.
The Other Side
As a parent, it is understandable to want the best for your child and to explore every possible option to improve their academic performance. While eyeglasses can certainly improve a child's vision, there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that wearing glasses can directly lead to improved grades.
According to Dr. Jeffrey Cooper, an optometrist and clinical professor at the State University of New York College of Optometry, "There is no direct correlation between wearing glasses and improved academic performance." However, it is important to note that untreated vision problems can lead to academic struggles.
The American Optometric Association recommends that children receive their first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age and then at three years old, before starting school, and every two years thereafter. If a child's vision is impaired and goes untreated, it can lead to difficulties with reading, writing, and other academic tasks.
Therefore, while there is no direct link between eyeglasses and improved grades, it is important to ensure that your child's vision is corrected if needed to avoid any potential academic setbacks.
Grab Some Glasses!
Glasses alone might not be the magic bullet to educational success, but they can be a huge help, especially for students with vision issues. As the research outlined, not only do glasses help students read and consume visual material, they can also aid in focus.
Beyond that, uncorrected vision issues can make school difficult for students and can lead to eye strain and headaches. These reasons demonstrate the importance of eyeglasses for students. While eyeglasses have the potential to improve visual acuity and potentially enhance overall academic performance, the correlation between improved grades and wearing eyeglasses is not yet conclusive.
More research is needed to determine the extent to which eyeglasses can impact academic success. Therefore, if your child is struggling with academic performance due to poor eyesight, it is important to consider all available options, including eyeglasses, and to consult with an eye doctor to determine the best course of action.
Ultimately, a combination of various interventions may be necessary to improve your child's academic success. If you are on the fence about setting up an eye appointment for your student, this article highlights a few of the leading reasons to take that jump and set up an appointment. The team at Asheville Vision and Wellness would love to set up a meeting, contact us to learn more!