It’s that time of year again—back-to-school season! Getting new school supplies and clothes is often the top priority for parents, but many may not consider the importance of scheduling a back-to-school eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam can mean the difference between a successful and challenging school year. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of a back-to-school eye exam and how it can help set your child up for success this school year.
1. Set them up for academic success
Clear vision is essential for effective learning and success in the classroom. Children with uncorrected vision problems may have difficulty reading the board, seeing the teacher’s writing, or even recognizing words on a page. With early detection and diagnosis, vision problems can be treated, preventing further eye discomfort and visual stress that could lead to poor academic performance.
Your eye doctor will check your child’s eyes for refractive errors, such as the following:
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Astigmatism
In addition to refractive errors, your child’s eye doctor will check for visual processing issues which could lead to difficulties with learning.
Children may not be able to describe that they have a vision problem, and they aren’t always properly diagnosed during a vision screening. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular pediatric eye exams with an optometrist.
2. Improve performance in sports
Your child’s sports performance can also be improved through a back-to-school eye exam. Vision problems can affect your child’s ability to catch or hit the ball. During an eye exam, your child’s eye doctor can detect these issues and resolve them by prescribing corrective lenses, improving your child’s hand-eye coordination and overall sports performance.
3. Identify and treat digital eye strain
In today’s digital age, children spend a lot of time using tablets, computers, and smartphones. This prolonged screen time could strain their eyes, leading to headaches, blurry vision, or dry eyes. Regular eye exams can help identify if your child has any vision problems related to screen time. The eye doctor can also provide recommendations to reduce their exposure to digital screens.
4. Prevent behavioral issues
Children with undiagnosed vision problems may struggle with reading and writing, leading to an overall decrease in academic performance. This frustration can lead to behavior issues in and outside of the classroom. A comprehensive eye exam can detect vision problems and can help prevent academic frustration and accompanying behavioral issues.
Scheduling a back-to-school eye exam may not seem like an essential task, but it can have a significant impact on your child’s academic, social, and personal development. Ensure that eye exams become a part of your back-to-school routine. Book your child’s back-to-school eye exam today with our optometrists at Buckeye Optometry in Marion!