Back-to-School: Is Your Child Seeing 20/20?

While it’s a given that you always want you children’s eyes to be as healthy as possible, going back to school highlights the need for good eye health.

  • Children who can’t see well—either at a distance, such as when viewing whiteboards or projection screens, or close-up when reading or using a computer—will have a tough time keeping up with the information and participating in class.
  • Their education will suffer, and they may get frustrated or withdrawn, affecting their socialization with classmates.
  • If they participate in sports, vision issues may not only affect their performance, but could become a safety issue.

Get Regular Eye Screenings

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology recommend that school age children receive regular eye screenings for visual acuity and alignment by a pediatrician, family doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other person trained in vision assessment of school-aged children.

  • Vision screening differs from a comprehensive eye exam, which typically includes pupil dilation and a more thorough investigation of the overall health of the eye and the visual system. Vision screenings are good tools to assess general vision acuity and screen for common conditions such as nearsightedness (myopia).
  • Times when comprehensive eye exams are advised include when a child fails a vision screening, has a learning disability, developmental delay, neuropsychological condition, behavioral issue, other medical conditions, has an eye injury, or has a family medical history that might put him or her at higher risk for developing pediatric eye problems.

An Annual Reminder

Going back to school serves as a good annual reminder to have your children’s eyes checked.

  • Their prescription lenses might need updating or they may be scratched/damaged.
  • Your children will certainly have grown. Just as last year’s jeans and shoes no longer fit, it’s quite possible their frames no longer fit their faces properly.
  • And let’s not forget the importance of protecting young eyes from the cumulative effects of UV exposure. A good pair of sunglasses (prescription or not) are much more than a fashion statement—they are an important aspect of keeping your children’s eyes healthy.

So while you’re stocking up on pens, notebooks, the latest tech, and new back-to-school fashions for your child, don’t forget his or her eyesight. The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises parents to . . .

  • Watch for signs of eye problems, such as your child complaining about eyestrain, experiencing headaches, or needing to squint to read or perform common tasks. Also watch for discoloration of the pupil and for eyes that do not align or do not move in sync.
  • Get a vision screening if you suspect your child is experiencing a vision problem. As with most situations that are health related, the sooner you seek treatment the better.
  • Make sure your child wears certified protective eyewear when playing sports to help avoid serious eye injuries.

Let Our Family Serve Yours

For 30 years and counting, the professionals at Sunglass & Optical has been making school children in greater San Diego look and see great with the area’s largest selection of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. Our “family” considers it an honor to help protect they eyes of children and students, as well as their moms, dads, grandmothers, granddads, and everyone else in-between. A pair of high quality, eyeglasses or sunglasses from Sunglass & Optical Warehouse can help protect your child’s eyes for years to come.

PLEASE NOTE: Your eye care needs never take a holiday, so why should your eye care provider? Sunglass & Optical Warehouse will be open for our regular hours on Labor Day, Monday, September 4. 

Scroll to Top