Back to School

Back-to-School Eye Exams: Why Your Child’s Vision Should Be on the Checklist

Back-to-school season is here in Hillsborough County. And that means one thing…. Expect TRAFFIC! 

That is true, but obviously it means much more than that. As parents prepare for the new school year, the checklist usually includes school supplies, backpacks, new clothes, shoes, sports physicals, and vaccinations.

There is one important item that is easy to overlook: a comprehensive pediatric eye exam.

Good vision is essential for children in school. Reading books, seeing the board, using computers and tablets, writing, participating in sports, and navigating the classroom all depend on a healthy and well-functioning eyes. A child who is struggling with an undiagnosed vision problem may have a harder time learning, even when the problem isn't obvious.
 

Your Child May Not Know They Have a Vision Problem

Many parents assume that their child would complain if they couldn't see well. Children, however, rarely say anything. They don’t know that what they experience isn’t normal. 

And clear distance vision is only part of the picture. Children also need their eyes to work together properly, focus accurately, track across a page, and maintain comfortable vision during prolonged reading and other close-up activities.

In some cases, a child with a vision problem may appear lazy, distracted, or become frustrated with schoolwork. That doesn't necessarily mean that vision is the cause, but it is an important piece of the puzzle to investigate.
 

What Are the Signs of a Vision Problem?

Parents should consider scheduling a pediatric eye exam if their child:

• Squints or frequently closes one eye

• Sits very close to the television or computer

• Complains of headaches or tired eyes

• Rubs their eyes frequently

• Loses their place while reading

• Avoids reading or close-up work

• Has difficulty concentrating on visual tasks

• Complains that words are blurry or difficult to see

• Has difficulty with hand-eye coordination
   

Why a School Vision Screening Isn't Enough

Many schools perform vision screenings, and these can be useful for identifying certain problems. But a screening is not the same as a comprehensive eye examination.

A comprehensive children's eye exam evaluates much more than whether a child can read the 20/20 line. It can assess eye health, focusing ability, eye alignment, eye teaming, depth perception, eye movements, and other aspects of vision that are important for learning.
 

Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam in Tampa

At Bright Eyes Family Vision Care and Bright Eye Kids, we provide comprehensive pediatric eye exams for children throughout Tampa and the surrounding communities. Our goal isn't simply to determine whether your child needs glasses. We look at the complete visual system and how it functions in the real-world demands of childhood and school.