As backpacks fill up with new school supplies and calendars get marked with class schedules, there’s one important item that often gets overlooked on the back-to-school checklist: a comprehensive eye exam.
Vision plays a vital role in a child’s ability to learn, read, write, and focus in the classroom. 80% of learning is visual—yet many vision problems can go undetected if they aren’t tested for.
The Importance of Eye Exams for Students
While school screenings can be helpful, they aren’t designed to detect many common vision problems. Conditions such as:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Eye teaming and focusing issues
can go unnoticed if a child isn’t seen by an optometrist. These issues can lead to eye strain, headaches, difficulty reading and comprehending what is read, or poor performance in school—even behavioral problems.
Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
Kids don’t always realize that they’re having a vision problem. Here are some signs that may indicate your child is struggling with their vision:
- Complaining of headaches or eye fatigue
- Squinting or sitting too close to screens
- Avoiding reading or homework
- Losing place while reading
- Rubbing eyes frequently
- Difficulty focusing or staying on task
If any of these sound familiar, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment before the beginning of school.