As kids head back to school or jump in for the first time, it's essential to ensure their vision is functioning correctly. If they have issues, now is the time to address them.
“Vision issues, whether myopia or amblyopia (lazy eye), can affect almost every aspect of a child's development, from academics and athletics to social interactions and self-esteem,” explains Shandi M. Beckwith, OD, an optometrist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. “School screenings don't always catch the more subtle issues, so parents and educators may incorrectly assume there's no problem if a child passes.”
According to the American Optometric Association, one in four school-age children has a vision disorder, yet school vision screenings miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. A vision screening provides less than 4% of the information generated during a comprehensive eye exam.
“Without a comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, children's vision disorders may go undetected or misdiagnosed,” Beckwith says. “If misdiagnosed as ADHD, dyslexia, a learning disability, or behavioral problems, those labels may affect a child for life without addressing an underlying visual issue that could be corrected.”
If your child needs glasses for vision correction, make sure they get the proper fit from an optician. Kids’ vision is constantly developing, so the wrong prescription or a fit that is “slightly off” can cause further complications. The brain and eyes must work together to force the eye muscles to align. Aim for function over fashion so kids aren’t looking above or below their lenses.
Watch for These Symptoms
Any of the following symptoms could signal a vision issue. If you notice your child experiencing one or more, be sure to tell your eye doctor:
- Frequent blinking or eye rubbing
- Short attention span
- Complaint of feeling tired or uncomfortable
- Avoiding reading or other activities that require close-up vision
- Discomfort or dizziness after watching 3D content
- Frequent headaches
- Covering one eye
- Tilting the head to one side
- Holding reading materials too close to the face
- An eye turning in or out
- Seeing double
- Losing place when reading
- Difficulty remembering what they read
- Unusual clumsiness in sports or frequently missing the ball
Not-So-Obvious Red Flags
These signs may seem more like behavioral problems or disabilities than vision issues, but they could also result from poor vision:
- Difficulty organizing and prioritizing work and time
- Relying heavily on pictures to “read” or auditory memorization
- Not performing up to potential
- Difficulty working alone and following directions
- Inattentive or disruptive in class
- Lack of interest in reading
- Excuses and refusal to do homework
- Difficulty completing tasks quietly and getting easily frustrated
August is Kids' Eye Health and Safety Month. The National Eye Institute offers a variety of fun information about the science of vision, eye safety, optical illusions, and more—created just for kids.