Back to School: Protecting Your Child’s Vision for the Year Ahead
The school year is already in full swing—new teachers, new routines, and new challenges. But amidst the excitement of fresh notebooks and after-school activities, one crucial detail often gets overlooked: your child’s vision. Good eyesight is essential for learning, confidence, and overall well-being, especially as classrooms increasingly rely on digital devices.
Why Vision Matters in the Classroom
Studies show that up to 80% of a child’s learning in school is visual. From reading the whiteboard to following along with digital lessons, clear vision directly impacts academic performance. Even small, uncorrected vision problems can lead to difficulties with reading, concentration, and participation. Sometimes, children may not realize they’re struggling to see—so it’s easy for parents and teachers to miss the signs.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
Even though school has already started, it’s not too late to check in on your child’s eye health. Look out for:
Squinting or tilting their head to see the board
Frequent headaches, especially after homework
Losing their place while reading
Avoiding books or digital assignments
Rubbing their eyes often
If you’ve noticed any of these behaviors, a comprehensive eye exam may be the missing piece in setting your child up for success this year.
The Role of Screen Time
With homework and learning platforms moving online, children are spending more hours on digital devices than ever before. This can lead to digital eye strain, causing fatigue, blurred vision, and dry eyes. To help:
Encourage the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Remind kids to blink regularly while using screens.
Make sure their study space has proper lighting.
Why Yearly Eye Exams Are Essential
Even if your child passed a school vision screening, it doesn’t replace a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist. School screenings often only test distance vision, overlooking issues like eye coordination, focusing ability, and overall eye health. At City Eyecare, we provide thorough exams tailored for children, ensuring their vision is sharp and their eyes are healthy.
Setting Your Child Up for Success
The school year is a marathon, not a sprint. By prioritizing your child’s eye health now, you’ll help them stay focused, confident, and ready to tackle every lesson, test, and activity ahead.
Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam today and give them the clarity they need to thrive all year long.
