If you’re a parent, you know how quickly summer break flies by. While you’re picking up backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies, don’t forget one of the most important items on your back-to-school checklist: scheduling an eye exam. We offer pediatric eye exams in Decatur to help ensure your child’s vision is ready for the classroom and set them up for academic success.
In this blog, we’ll share everything you need to know about back-to-school eye exams, including why they’re important and the best timing for children’s eye exams.
The link between vision & learning
Did you know that up to 80% of learning is visual? From reading the whiteboard to completing assignments and interacting with digital screens, children rely heavily on their eyesight. Unfortunately, 1 in 4 school-aged children has a vision disorder, which can often go undetected without a comprehensive eye exam.
Even if your child passes a basic vision screening at school or the pediatrician’s office, that doesn’t mean they’re in the clear. These screenings only test distance vision (like reading letters on a chart from 20 feet away) and don’t assess other visual skills necessary for learning.
Signs of a vision problem in children
Children don’t always know they have a vision issue, and they may not be able to tell you even if they do. It’s important to watch for these common signs:
- Frequent headaches
- Frequently rubbing their eyes
- Sitting too close to the television
- Squinting or straining to see
- Poor attention span
- Closing one eye while reading or watching television
- Poor eye-hand coordination
- Skipping or losing their place while reading
- Difficulty remembering what was read
Vision skills needed for school
Even if your child has 20/20 vision, they may still struggle with schoolwork if they have trouble with other essential visual skills. These visual skills include:
- Clear vision both near and far
- Strong focusing abilities to switch between distances (e.g., desk to whiteboard)
- Eye teaming to use both eyes together effectively
- Eye tracking to follow lines of text while reading
When should a child have their first eye exam?
According to the American Optometric Association, children should have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months old. This initial eye exam is important even if no vision issues are noticeable. Early detection is key, as conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus) are more effectively treated when identified early.
Here’s a general eye exam timeline for children:
- 6 to 12 months – First comprehensive eye exam
- At age 3 – Second eye exam to monitor development
- Before starting kindergarten (around age 5 or 6) – A third exam to ensure readiness for school
- Annually after starting school – Routine exams to track vision changes and address any issues affecting learning
Children’s vision can change rapidly as they get older. That’s why we typically recommend annual eye exams for school-aged children. The most common issues affecting school-aged children include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam before classes begin
Make sure your child is set up for success this year and schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam today.
Vision screenings can’t replace the comprehensive eye exams provided by Dr. Jonathan Davis, O.D. He takes the time to understand your child’s unique needs, accurately diagnose any vision issues, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Appointments fill up fast this time of year. Schedule your child’s next eye exam today!