It’s that time of the year again when parents and children alike prepare for another school year. Amidst all the back-to-school preparations, it’s essential not to overlook the significance of scheduling an eye exam. A back-to-school eye exam is crucial for every child, regardless of their age or if they previously had an eye exam. Keep reading to learn why these exams are so important.
1. Detect vision problems early
An eye exam can detect eye and vision problems that may not be noticeable to parents or teachers. Early detection of these issues means that they can be treated as soon as possible, avoiding potential learning and developmental delays.
2. Improve academic performance
Children with undiagnosed vision problems may struggle with reading and writing. Seeing the chalkboard, reading books, and taking notes can be a difficult and frustrating experience for them, leading to decreased academic performance. An eye exam can detect refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Clear vision and improved focus can help your child perform better in school.
3. Address eye strain
In addition to improving vision and eye health, an eye exam can address issues that could arise from staring at a computer screen or electronic devices for extended periods. Computer vision syndrome is an eye condition that results from extended screen time. Symptoms include eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. An eye doctor can recommend different ways to avoid this eye strain and provide eyeglasses or contact lenses to help relieve discomfort.
4. Vision screenings may not be enough
Many parents may think that a vision screening at school or the pediatrician’s office is enough to test their child’s vision, but that’s often not the case. These screenings are not comprehensive and may only detect major vision problems, leaving many issues undetected.
5. Children may not realize they have vision problems
Most children don’t know what “normal” vision should look like. They may not even realize they have a vision problem, thinking their blurry vision or headaches are just how everyone sees and feels. That’s why regular eye exams are essential to detect vision problems, even if your child seems fine.
6. Build positive habits
Establishing a routine of regular eye exams at a young age helps children to develop healthy habits. It encourages them to take responsibility for their eye health, ensuring that they prioritize it in the future. Regular eye exams ensure that vision changes occurring with age are detected early, allowing your child to continue to excel academically and socially.
7. Boost their confidence level
A child is less likely to enjoy their school experience if they have an undiagnosed vision problem. Discomfort while reading, writing, or even watching the teacher can lead to low self-esteem and affect their interaction with peers. Diagnosing and treating vision problems early can restore a child’s confidence and self-awareness, making the school experience more enjoyable.
An eye exam at the start of the school year is crucial for your child’s vision and eye health. Early detection and treatment promote academic success and overall personal growth. Don’t wait for your child to experience symptoms before scheduling their eye exam. Contact us today to book an exam at our eye care center in Nashville!