Starting school is a huge milestone in any child’s life. But did you know that it’s also an important time to get a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist? Up to 80% of what we learn comes from our vision, and problems can go undiagnosed without the help of an optometrist. Let’s take a look at why getting your child’s eyes checked is so important when they start school.
The Impact of an Undiagnosed Vision Problem
When children can’t see properly, this can have far-reaching implications on their education and social life. Some vision problems are very obvious, such as strabismus (an eye pointing in the wrong direction). However, many symptoms are much more subtle and may not be easily noticed by parents or teachers. These could include difficulty processing visual information quickly enough, double vision, frequent headaches or eyestrain, or difficulty judging distances when playing sports. These types of problems can have serious impacts on a child’s development if left untreated.
Give Your Child’s Education the Best Start With an Eye Exam
This is why it is so important to get your children’s eyes checked before they start school — or even earlier if there are any signs that something isn’t quite right with their sight. An optometrist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam which looks at not just how clearly your child sees but also how their eyes work together as a team and how well they focus on objects close up and far away. If any issues are identified during the exam, these can then be treated early on with glasses, contact lenses or visual therapy — giving your child the best chances for success in school.
Starting school is an exciting time for children — and it should be one filled with possibilities rather than difficulties. By getting your children's eyes tested regularly by an optometrist, you can ensure that any underlying vision issues don't hold them back from achieving their full potential at school and beyond! Don't forget to book an appointment with your local optometrist before your kids start school this year!