Children across the country are gearing up for a new school year. Before heading back to the classroom, the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA) recommends a visit to the optometrist to ensure academic success.
“Because a child’s vision may change frequently, regular eye and vision care is critical to a student’s learning,” said Dr. Jennifer Lintz, O.D., MOA member. “Unfortunately, most parents are not including eye exams as part of their child’s back-to-school health check-up.”
Reading, writing and computer work are among the visual skills that students are required to perform daily. However, studies show that 86 percent of children start school without ever having an eye exam.
Many experts believe that approximately 80 percent of learning comes through a child’s eyes. Despite the correlation between vision and learning, many Americans underestimate the number of children affected by eye and vision problems. According to the American Optometric Association’
According to the survey, 58 percent of parents did not take their child for an eye exam until age three or older. The MOA recommends children have their first eye assessment at six months of age, then comprehensive eye exams beginning at age three, before a child enters school and then every two years, unless otherwise advised by an optometrist. In between visits to the eye doctor, parents, as well as teachers, should keep a watchful eye out for some of the more prevalent signs that a child’s vision may be impaired.
The MOA recommends parents contact their optometrist if their child frequently:
Loses place while reading
Avoids close work
Tends to rub eyes
Has headaches
Turns or tilts head
Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing
Uses finger to maintain place when reading
Omits or confuses small words when reading
Consistently performs below potential
Struggles to complete homework
Squints while reading or watching television
Has behavioral problems
Holds reading material closer than normal
Many parents are not as aware of the less obvious warning signs of eye and vision problems. The Eye-Q survey found that only one-third of parents identified using a finger while reading (31 percent) or behavioral problems (35 percent) as potential signs of a vision impairment.
“If a child’s vision is impaired, increasing visual demands such as smaller print in textbooks or additional homework can significantly alter a student’s performance,”
Studies indicate that 60 percent of children identified as “problem learners” actually suffer from undetected vision problems and in some cases have been inaccurately diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The earlier a vision problem is detected and treated, the more likely treatment will be successful. It is important to keep in mind that while a school vision screening is helpful, it is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist.
To find an optometrist in your area, or for additional information on the importance of back-to-school eye exams, please visit www.the moa.org.
