Have you ever wondered why your child is struggling in school despite their seemingly good study habits? The answer could be as simple as an undetected vision problem. Whether a child is reading, writing, or participating in classroom activities, having good vision is essential and helps them succeed in school. In this blog, we will discuss why regular eye exams are crucial and how addressing vision issues can improve academic performance.
The importance of vision in learning
Good eyesight plays a crucial role in learning and academic performance. In fact, research shows that vision accounts for 80% of learning that occurs during a lifetime. Vision issues can lead to trouble with reading, writing, math, and concentration. It can also contribute to eye fatigue and headaches, which only exacerbates frustration and poor performance in school.
Signs that your child may be struggling with vision problems
Children may not always be able to communicate their vision problems effectively. As a result, parents may need to look out for certain signs and behaviors that may indicate a vision problem. These include:
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes
- Tilted head or covering one eye
- Squinting or having trouble focusing
- Difficulty reading and writing
- Complaints of headaches or eye strain
- Avoiding or disliking reading and other visual tasks
- Poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills
The link between eye exams and academic success
Eye exams are an important part of preventive healthcare for children. They help detect vision problems that can impact a child’s academic performance. Children should have their first pediatric eye exam at six months of age, followed by another at three years, and one more before they start school. After that, they should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years depending on their vision needs.
A comprehensive eye exam can identify vision problems that may go unnoticed, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (blurred vision), or amblyopia (lazy eye). If these problems are left untreated, they can impact a child’s ability to learn, resulting in poor academic performance.
But it’s not just about academic performance. Correcting vision problems can also improve your child’s self-esteem and confidence, as well as their ability to socialize with their peers. Additionally, early detection and treatment of vision problems can prevent long-term vision loss and eye diseases later in life.
Vision screenings vs. comprehensive eye exams
Many schools now offer vision screening programs to detect potential vision problems early on. These programs can include vision tests and eye exams and may be offered annually or biannually. While these programs are incredibly useful, they are not a substitute for comprehensive eye exams. If your child is experiencing vision problems, it’s important to schedule a visit with an optometrist.
Taking good care of your child’s eyesight can greatly improve their academic performance and overall well-being. If your child is due for an eye exam, schedule an appointment at our office in Watertown, MA!