School is back in session and many parents are breathing a sigh of relief. You met the teachers, completed all the back-to-school shopping, and the big day came and went. But you may have overlooked one crucial thing — your child’s annual eye exam.
It is understandable why this happens. Most schools provide vision screenings which parents assume would pick up any potential problems. But vision screenings alone are not sufficient and one in four children have undetected eye problems.
This is a big deal because a child’s vision plays a huge role in their ability to learn and retain new information. You wouldn’t dream of sending your child back to school without their backpack. But many parents unknowingly send their children to school without adequate vision.
Here are four things your doctor will look for at your child’s yearly eye exam:
Distance vision
Your ophthalmologist will test your child’s distance vision and their ability to focus their eyes. If your child can’t clearly see the teacher at the front of the room, this will have a big impact on their academic success. They also need to be able to maintain focus as they switch from looking at a book to looking at the teacher across the room.
How well their eyes work together
They will also test your child’s eyes to see how well the two eyes coordinate and work together. This is important for your child to be able to read efficiently and to measure distance.
Visual acuity
Your doctor will also look at your child’s overall visual acuity. This includes distance vision, looking at things up close, and the ability to view things that are at arm’s length.
Hand-eye coordination
Hand-eye coordination is important for walking, playing sports, and doing numerous other activities. It also plays a role in your child’s ability to write or draw.
The bottom line is better vision leads to a better experience in school, and early treatment when needed can avoid more serious vision issues later on. The majority of the tasks your child will perform in school will require good visual skills. And the best way to protect their vision is by scheduling yearly pediatric eye exams.
Contact Washington Eye Physicians and Surgeons today to schedule your child’s yearly eye exam.
