Importance of Back-to-School Eye Exams

The experts advise that your back-to-school checklist should include a visit to the ophthalmologist. This is a good time for children to get an investigation that can help them be successful in the classroom.

Visual Problems in Children

Visual problems can lead to problems in development, school performance, and the self-esteem of a child, according to the American Optometric Association. The organization notes that 1 in 4 children in the United States has a visual disturbance that must be diagnosed and treated.

Recommended Eye Checkups

Dr. Viola Kanevsky, an optician, says that children’s eyes should be checked in infancy and then start annually at the age of 3 to 5 years. "Just as they grow, their eyes grow with them," says Kanevsky. If they are caught early, some visual problems can be slowed down or even healed.

The Impact of Screen Time

Kanevsky notes that cases of myopia are dramatic as children use more screens and electronic devices, and early interventions are important. "Age 7 is as good as the end of a very critical time in the visual development of a child. And although it is still possible to correct some things, it gets much more difficult and a much greater struggle, and you cannot come back to vision 100%," she told CBS News.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Some parents may think that a comprehensive eye examination is unnecessary when their children receive vision demonstrations at school. However, school demonstrations can miss up to 75% of children with visual problems. Comprehensive exams are often covered by insurance and last about an hour. They provide a precise picture not only of eyesight but also of the health of a child.

Making Eye Exams Fun for Children

Kanevsky tries to transform an exam into a game for children who can be nervous. This back-to-school test can give children a sharper, clearer future. By including eye exams in their back-to-school checklist, parents can help their children succeed in the classroom and beyond.