It’s that time of the year when children and their families are getting ready to start a new school year. During this busy season, try not to overlook the importance of eye and vision health to learning. Having trouble with eyesight can disrupt a student's ability to focus and read while also causing headaches, fatigue and eye strain. Even if a child has not experienced any vision issues in the past, their eyes are growing and changing all the time.
Before school starts, make an appointment with the eye doctor to make sure everyone who is school-aged in your household is set up for success.
Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for that could indicate a child is having trouble with their eyes or vision:
- Squinting
- Head tilt
- Holding objects close to see them and/or sitting too close to the TV screen
- Avoiding reading or having a short attention span
- Eyes appear misaligned
- Eyes have an unusual appearance in photographs
- Droopy eyelid
- Family history of eye problems
Newborns, infants, and toddlers (0-2 years) should have their vision screened and their eyes checked by their pediatrician during routine visits. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), vision and eye alignment should be checked by a pediatrician or their primary doctor. Most children in this age group will be able to see clearly at a distance and will not require glasses, but if there are any issues, they will be referred to see an eye doctor. At 5 years of age, children should have another vision screening and eye alignment check. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition in this age group and is corrected with eyeglasses.
Your eye care provider will look for signs of a lazy eye, known as amblyopia, or of an eye muscle misalignment, known as strabismus. If screening shows these signs, your child will be referred to a pediatric eye specialist. Other situations where referral to a specialist might be needed is if your child has medical conditions associated with eye problems, if there is a family history of eye problems, or if your child has a learning disability.
Early detection and treatment of eye health and vision problems will ensure that your child has the best possible start for back-to-school success.
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
