Eye Exams Before School: Essential for Detecting Hidden
Vision Issues in Children
As back-to-school preparations begin, pediatric
ophthalmologists emphasize the importance of eye exams for children, especially
during August, Children's Eye Health and Safety Month. Regular vision
screenings are essential to identify and correct eye issues early, ensuring
children are ready to learn without visual hindrances.
The American Optometric Association warns that many vision
disorders may go unnoticed in children and could be misinterpreted as ADHD,
dyslexia, or other learning disabilities. This underscores the need for comprehensive
eye exams, which can catch conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) that standard
school screenings might miss.
Dr. Daniel Cyr, a pediatric ophthalmologist with Stony Brook
Medicine, recommends that children undergo an eye exam with a specialist before
starting school and include vision screening in their annual well visits. He
highlights that recent studies show children with corrected refractive errors
perform better on standardized tests.
With the increasing use of digital devices, myopia (nearsightedness)
is on the rise, leading to eye strain. Dr. Cyr advises following the 20-20-20
rule: after 20 minutes of near work, take a 20-second break and look at
something 20 feet away. This practice helps relax the eyes and reduce strain.
Incorporating regular eye exams into your back-to-school
routine can significantly impact your child’s academic success and overall
well-being.