As the new school year approaches, parents are busy preparing their children for a successful academic journey. From buying school supplies to arranging schedules, there’s a lot to consider.
However, one critical aspect that often goes overlooked is children’s vision health. Ensuring your child has good vision is essential for their learning and overall development.
Research shows approximately 20% of children in the UK have an undiagnosed vision problem that can impact their learning and development.
Regular eye exams are crucial to detect and address any vision problems that may affect your child’s performance in school. If you want to find our more about protecting your child’s eye health and how to prevent their education from being impacted by poor vision, this article is for you.
Common vision problems in kids
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem where distant objects appear blurry. It can hinder a child’s ability to see the board clearly in the classroom.
Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, causes nearby objects to appear blurry. This can make reading and other close-up tasks difficult for children.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a condition where the eye’s shape causes blurred vision at all distances. This can impact a child’s ability to see both near and far objects clearly.
Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. It can cause double vision or difficulty with depth perception.
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Amblyopia, or lazy eye, occurs when one eye is weaker than the other. It can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated early.
How poor vision can Impact Learning
Children with poor vision can have academic struggles if their vision isn’t treated effectively.
In the classroom, children with undiagnosed vision problems may struggle to read, write, and focus in class.
This can lead to lower grades, decreased self-esteem, and behavioural issues. Proper vision is essential for understanding and retaining information, participating in classroom activities, and overall academic success.
“Children with vision problems often struggle in class. It’s important for teachers and parents to work together to identify and address these issues early on.” – Primary school teacher
How to spot poor vision in children
Observing behavioural signs
Parents and teachers should look for signs such as squinting, tilting the head, covering one eye, or sitting too close to the TV or computer screen.
Academic performance
Children with vision problems may struggle with reading, writing, and other visual tasks. They may also avoid activities that require good vision, such as sports or drawing.
Physical symptoms
Frequent headaches, eye strain, and excessive blinking can be indicators of vision issues.
Regular eye exams
Regular eye exams by an optometrist are the best way to detect vision problems early. Children should have their first eye exam at six months, then at three years, before starting school, and annually thereafter.
Read more tips on how to know if your child needs glasses here.
What to do if your child has poor vision
If you suspect your child has a vision problem, schedule an appointment with an optometrist immediately, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Inform your child’s teachers about their vision issues, and request that your child be seated closer to the board and in a well-lit area to help them see better. If prescribed, ensure your child wears their glasses regularly, and teach them how to care for their eyewear to avoid damage.
Preventive eye care measures
Regular eye exams
Schedule regular eye exams to catch any vision problems early. Follow the recommended schedule for eye check-ups.
Healthy diet
Ensure your child eats a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for eye health.
Limit screen time
Encourage breaks from screens every 20 minutes to reduce digital eye strain. Ensure they spend time outdoors to give their eyes a break from close-up tasks. In fact, research shows spending time outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia in children.
Proper lighting
Ensure your child has adequate lighting for reading and other tasks. Poor lighting can strain the eyes and worsen vision problems.
“Regular eye exams are crucial for children’s vision health. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can prevent long-term issues and support their academic success.” – Expert optician are Gormley Opticians
The importance of regular eye tests for school-aged children
Regular eye exams are vital for school-aged children as they can help in early detection and treatment of vision issues, ensuring that children can see clearly and perform their best academically. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term issues and support your child’s educational success.
Book an appointment at Gormley Opticians today to ensure your child’s vision is ready for the classroom.
