Why It’s Good To Schedule An Eye Exam Before Kids Go Back To School
It's crucial to schedule regular eye examinations for your child, starting from infancy. A comprehensive eye exam performed by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist can identify any potential vision problems, even if your child does not display noticeable symptoms.
Early detection of conditions like refractive errors, lazy eye (amblyopia), or misalignment (strabismus) can significantly enhance treatment outcomes. Many signs of vision problems and eye health conditions appear early in a child’s development. Upwards of one in 20 preschoolers are born with an eye problem that can ultimately cause permanent issues if not properly treated early.
There’s no better time of the year to get an eye exam scheduled for your kid than over the summer before the new school year kicks off. This is for a number of reasons, including:
- Easier scheduling
- Mitigates learning impediments
- Prevents behavioral problems
1. Appointments Before School Starts Mean Easier Scheduling
The most straightforward reason to make sure your child sees an optometrist during summer vacation is that it makes scheduling the appointment much easier. Aside from dodging any planned family vacation, you won’t have to worry about disrupting your child’s school day or rushing from the car line to the doctor's office.
We often underestimate the amount of school activities that fill up schedules. Scheduling eye exams before school starts avoids conflicts with school activities and ensures children are ready for class from day one.
2. Clearer Vision Promotes Optimal Learning
A significant portion of classroom learning is visual. Clear vision is essential for reading, writing, and other visual activities, and undetected vision problems can hinder a child's ability to learn effectively.
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. Early identification of vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can prevent academic struggles and ensure appropriate interventions are made.
3. Good Eye Sight Prevents Behavioral Problems And Enhances Social Development
Sometimes, vision problems are mistaken for learning disabilities or behavioral issues. Correcting vision can lead to improvements in concentration, participation, and behavior.
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. Difficulty concentrating can also be interpreted as or eventually leading to poor behavior.
Children with undiagnosed vision issues may feel frustrated or embarrassed. Addressing these problems can enhance their confidence and overall school experience. Clear vision aids in better interaction with peers, which is crucial for social development. Children who see well are more likely to engage in activities and form friendships.
4. Gives Time To Create Good Habits And Routines
Having eye exams before the start of the school year means any needed changes can be implemented before the bustle of the school year begins. It gives you more time to help your child acclimate to new glasses and contacts or just incorporate healthy habits into their everyday life.
It is no surprise we are all about taking care of our eyes. These tips are easy to implement and maintain and can make you feel better about how your child's eyes are developing.
- Limit time spent in front of screens and help set the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- A diet full of healthy foods for our eyes won't give anyone superhuman vision or cure eye conditions, but it can help our eyes' overall health. Incorporate these foods into your child’s regular meals.
- Teach good general eye hygiene, such as washing hands and not rubbing eyes.
- Having a pair of well-fitted and customized sports or sunglasses for your child can help prevent eye injuries.
Pay attention to any signs that may indicate potential eye problems in your child, such as frequent eye rubbing, holding books and screens to close, excessive tearing, or complaints of headaches. If you notice these signs, consult an eye care professional promptly.
How Asheville Vision and Wellness Helps You Care for Your Child’s Eyes
Scheduling an eye exam before the school year starts ensures that children are visually prepared for academic success, can participate fully in school activities, and maintain overall eye health. It helps identify and address any vision issues early, preventing potential academic and social challenges.
Prioritize your child's eye health, and they will reap the benefits of clear vision and healthy eyes throughout their lives. Remember, when it comes to your child's eye health, prevention, and early intervention are the pillars of long-term eye care success.
At Asheville Vision and Wellness, we understand the importance of proactive eye care for your children. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care services and empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to ensure their children's eye health from infancy to adolescence.
If you would like to help your child have and maintain their eye health and vision, we would love to talk with you further. Reach out to our team today for more information about Asheville Vision and Wellness’ pediatric eye care.