The Most Important Tool for Back-to-School is Good Vision

Consider this:  One in four children has a vision-related problem, yet only 14 percent receive a comprehensive eye exam before entering school.  If you would like your child to learn to his or her full potential, you may want to add an eye exam to your Back-to-School list.  Often a student’s difficulties in the classroom or other activities can be attributed to undetected sight problems.
It is important to have your child’s eyesight examined before they enter school, when their visual abilities are developing.  In fact, we recommend having their eyes checked when they are six months, three and five years old.  Children often do not realize that they have a vision problem, because they think that the way they see is normal.
The basic vision skills needed for school are:

  • Near vision.  The ability to see clearly and comfortably at 10-20 inches.
  • Distance vision.  The ability to see clearly and comfortably at 20 feet and beyond.
  • Binocular coordination.  The ability to use both eyes together.
  • Eye movement skills.  The ability to aim the eyes accurately, move them smoothly across a page and shift them quickly and accurately from one object to another.
  • Focusing skills.  The ability to keep both eyes accurately focused at the proper distance to see clearly and to change focus quickly.
  • Peripheral awareness.  The ability to be aware of things located to the side while looking straight ahead.
  • Eye/hand coordination.  The ability to use the eyes and hand together.

If any of these or other vision skills is inadequate, your child will have to work harder.  This can lead to headaches, fatigue and other eyestrain problems.  As a parent, be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision or visual processing problem.
Be sure to tell your optometrist if your child frequently:

  • Loses their place while reading;
  • Avoids close work;
  • Holds material closer than normal;
  • Tends to rub their eyes or squint;
  • Has frequent headaches;
  • Turns or tilts head to use one eye only;
  • Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing;
  • Uses finger to maintain place when reading;
  • Omits or confuses small words when reading;
  • Consistently performs below potential.

Many schools offer a basic vision screening.  We recommend taking that a step further and bringing your child in for a more comprehensive exam where they can be treated immediately if there is a problem.
Family optometrists who are accustomed to working with children use kid-friendly tools and techniques when it comes to conducting these exams.  Their eye charts have pictures instead of letters, and since most of the tests are based on the doctor’s observations, these visits often seem more like playing games for the child.
Parents can heed the following tips to make their child’s visit easier:

  • Bring them in when they are rested; morning is usually best.
  • Talk to them ahead of time; assure them that they won’t get shots or be poked or prodded.
  • Make a game of it; tell them they will be looking at pictures and having fun.
  • Relax, and your child will most likely be relaxed too!

If a child does need a vision correction, fun frame styles are now made especially for children.  Thin, lightweight lens materials often include a UV blocker to protect your child’s eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.  And motivated youngsters can easily learn how to wear contact lenses, which are even safer and more economical than in years past.

Julie Danielson, Optometric Physician, is available by appointment at 541-899-2020.