Have A Preschool-Aged Child? Schedule A Comprehensive Eye Exam Before Kindergarten
If you are the parent of a preschool-aged child, there are a few important things to do before you send your child off to kindergarten. Of course, your school district likely requires a full medical exam complete with vision screening prior to enrollment in kindergarten. However, sometimes, vision screenings given by your child's pediatrician are not enough to find all underlying eye health issues, some of which could cause learning difficulties since 80% of what children learn in school is through their eyesight. Here's what you need to know:
Statistics of Vision & Eye Problems in Children
It's been discovered that one in four child students have some type of vision problem. It's also been estimated that only 14% of children get comprehensive eye exams before entering school. Studies have determined that 60% of child students who have been identified as having difficulty learning actually have undetected vision problems. Given these alarming statistics, it's imperative to schedule a full eye exam for your child.
Educational Challenges of a Child with Poor Vision
If your child cannot see what their teacher has written on the chalkboard or whiteboard, they may not comprehend what is being taught. If they cannot clearly see what is right in front of them on their desk, they may find it difficult to follow along and participate. Children at young ages may not realize that they have poor vision, especially if it's all they have ever known. It's up to teachers and parents to watch for signs of vision impairment.
Signs of Vision & Eye Problems in Young Children
One of the most obvious signs of vision problems in young children is that they sit too close to the television and hold books and electronic devices close to their eyes. They may squint when trying to see or close one eye to see better. They may complain of headaches and avoid certain activities that bother their eyes. Their handwriting may not follow the lines on the paper.
Components of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Schedule an appointment with an optometrist for your child before they start kindergarten. The sooner the better. That way, if anything is found, treatment can begin promptly with vision therapy and/or corrective lenses. The optometrist will use diagnostic equipment and tests to determine if your child's vision has developed properly and if there is any evidence of an eye disease or condition.
Contact an eye center like Quality Eye Care for more information and assistance.