Preparing for the start of the school year is a whirlwind for parents and children alike. The task of gathering all the necessary items for school can become daunting, leading to the oversight of the importance of medical examinations for children.
The learning process of children is primarily visual, accounting for 80 percent of their learning. Therefore, ensuring their visual well-being is crucial for optimal performance in both academics and sports. Here’s why scheduling a visual examination before school is essential.
It’s important for a kid to have their eyes examined before they reach the age of three. Following this, they ought to visit an eye specialist every one to two years until they reach the age of 19. In most cases, eye issues in children can be identified and treated early on.
To determine if your child requires vision correction, it’s important to observe their behaviour. For example, your child might often find themselves in a position that puts a strain on their eyes while sitting in class. Their schoolwork might involve a significant amount of time spent looking at screens. Additionally, your child could encounter difficulties in sports due to eye strain.
When getting your child ready for school, make sure they receive an eye check-up to assess their visual health. Common vision issues that could be identified include problems with binocular vision, farsightedness, and amblyopia (lazy eye). The sooner you address these issues, the simpler the treatment process will be for them.
Many kids won’t be aware of issues with their eyes. Often, they continue with their school tasks without telling anyone they’re experiencing eye strain. Therefore, it’s the teacher who’s most likely to notice these signs. As a parent, you can also be informed by inquiring if your child shows any of the following signs: squinting, struggling to read, or experiencing frequent tiredness.
Keep an eye out for their head tilting, unusual reactions to light, or pupils that appear white. Additional indicators might be them sitting too near the computer or book, or experiencing ongoing eye tearing and redness.
Getting a kid ready for an eye check-up will make them feel more at ease during the procedure. It’s a good idea to go to a first appointment with them beforehand to help them get used to the environment. Make sure they’re awake and in a good mood, as being tired could lead to inaccurate outcomes.
Begin by explaining to them the importance of having their eyes examined. Make sure your child understands that there are no right or wrong answers in the test to encourage truthfulness. It’s also helpful for them to know they’ll have to recognise objects, shapes, and sizes. Doing so will help make your visit to the optometrist go more smoothly.
Boost your kid’s educational journey by focusing on their eye health. Whenever your child is getting ready to return to school, ensure they undergo a thorough eye check-up.
To learn more about the importance of eye exams before school starts, head over to The Optical Factory & Primary Health Clinic. Give us a call at 01355 247581 to arrange a visit.