As summer comes to an end and the school year approaches, it’s time to think about back-to-school eye exams. While many schools offer vision screenings for students, these screenings often miss important issues that can affect your child’s learning and overall well-being.
At Valley Eye Care Associates, we offer comprehensive pediatric eye exams in Fort Kent for children of all ages. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why a school vision screening is not enough and why scheduling a pediatric eye exam with us should be at the top of your back-to-school checklist.
The limitations of school vision screenings
While school vision screenings are a great first step in identifying potential vision problems in children, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist. Vision screenings typically only test visual acuity (how well your child can see at a distance). They can miss up to 75% of children with vision problems¹, especially more subtle issues that can affect learning and overall eye health.
A vision screening might indicate a potential problem, but it doesn’t provide a diagnosis or treatment plan. If your child doesn’t pass the screening, they will be referred to an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.
Here’s what school vision screenings usually miss:
- Eye coordination and tracking problems
- Focusing issues up close
- Depth perception and peripheral vision
- Early signs of eye diseases
The importance of comprehensive eye exams
Comprehensive pediatric eye exams go beyond just testing visual acuity. During these exams, our optometrist will:
- Assess your child’s eye health
- Check for any refractive errors (such as nearsightedness or astigmatism)
- Evaluate how their eyes work together as a team
- Monitor for any signs of eye diseases or conditions that could impact their long-term vision
- Prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary
- Recommend other treatments, such as myopia management
The connection between learning and vision
One of the key benefits of scheduling regular pediatric eye exams is early detection and intervention of potential vision problems. Over 80% of learning is visual², which means children rely heavily on their eyesight to understand lessons, explore the world, and keep up with peers.
Undiagnosed vision problems can affect their academic performance, social interactions, and overall development. Many childhood vision issues like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), or even learning-related vision problems can be successfully treated if caught early. Addressing these issues early on can help ensure your child’s academic and social success.
Common signs your child may have a vision problem
Even if a child passes a school vision screening, there are often subtle signs that something may be off. Parents should watch for:
- Squinting or rubbing eyes frequently
- Complaints of headaches or eye strain
- Difficulty reading or losing their place on a page
- Tilting their head to see better
- Avoiding close-up activities like reading or drawing
Tips for protecting your child’s eyes at school
After your child’s comprehensive eye exam, you and their teachers can take a few steps to help protect and support their vision:
- Encourage regular breaks from screens and close-up work (the 20-20-20 rule)
- Ensure proper lighting while reading or doing homework
- Make sure they wear prescribed glasses or contact lenses consistently
- Schedule follow-up eye exams as recommended by their optometrist
Help your child succeed this school year
Don’t rely solely on school vision screenings to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy. A comprehensive pediatric eye exam at Valley Eye Care Associates will provide a complete picture of your child’s visual health and help them succeed inside and outside of the classroom.
Schedule your child’s eye exam today, and make sure they are ready for the school year ahead!
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