As kids head back to school or jump in for the first time, it's essential to ensure their vision is functioning correctly. If they have issues, now is the time to address them.
鈥淰ision issues, whether myopia or , can affect almost every aspect of a child's development, from academics and athletics to social interactions and self-esteem,鈥 explains Shandi M. Beckwith, OD, an optometrist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the 香蕉视频 of Utah. 鈥淪chool screenings don't always catch the more subtle issues, so parents and educators may incorrectly assume there's no problem if a child passes.鈥
According to the American Optometric Association, one in four school-age children has a vision disorder, yet school vision screenings miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. A vision screening provides less than 4% of the information generated during a comprehensive eye exam.
鈥淲ithout a comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, children's vision disorders may go undetected or misdiagnosed,鈥 Beckwith says. 鈥淚f misdiagnosed as ADHD, dyslexia, a learning disability, or behavioral problems, those labels may affect a child for life without addressing an underlying visual issue that could be corrected.鈥
If your child needs glasses for vision correction, make sure they get the proper fit from an optician. Kids鈥 vision is constantly developing, so the wrong prescription or a fit that is 鈥渟lightly off鈥 can cause further complications. The brain and eyes must work together to force the eye muscles to align. Aim for function over fashion so kids aren鈥檛 looking above or below their lenses.
Watch for These Symptoms
Any of the following symptoms could signal a vision issue. If you notice your child experiencing one or more, be sure to tell your eye doctor:
- Frequent blinking or eye rubbing
- Short attention span
- Complaint of feeling tired or uncomfortable
- Avoiding reading or other activities that require close-up vision
- Discomfort or dizziness after watching 3D content
- Frequent headaches
- Covering one eye
- Tilting the head to one side
- Holding reading materials too close to the face
- An eye turning in or out
- Seeing double
- Losing place when reading
- Difficulty remembering what they read
- Unusual clumsiness in sports or frequently missing the ball
Not-So-Obvious Red Flags
These signs may seem more like behavioral problems or disabilities than vision issues, but they could also result from poor vision:
- Difficulty organizing and prioritizing work and time
- Relying heavily on pictures to 鈥渞ead鈥 or auditory memorization
- Not performing up to potential
- Difficulty working alone and following directions
- Inattentive or disruptive in class
- Lack of interest in reading
- Excuses and refusal to do homework
- Difficulty completing tasks quietly and getting easily frustrated
August is Kids' Eye Health and Safety Month. The offers a variety of fun information about the science of vision, eye safety, optical illusions, and more鈥攃reated just for kids.