Problems with vision are a leading cause of poor performance in school. Studies show that as many as one in four schoolchildren may have vision problems that can affect their ability to learn, according to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.
Parents and teachers should keep a watchful eye out for the following thirteen signs that a child may have a vision problem:
1) sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
2) losing place while reading
3) using a finger to follow along while reading
4) squinting
5) tilting head to see better
6) avoiding activities that require visual effort
7) complaining of headaches or tired eyes avoiding computer work
9) receiving lower grades than usual
10) frequent eye rubbing
11) light sensitivity
12) excessive tearing
13) closing one eye to see better
Schedule an appointment with your optometrist, especially if your child exhibits any of these signs. Even in the absence of obvious signs, however, certain vision problems may be uncovered that may be treatable if diagnosed at an early age. One example is amblyopia (lazy eye). Amblyopia is not always due to an obvious “eye turn” and may go unnoticed for many years. A child may not be aware of the problem, or if he is, be too afraid to mention it to his parents.
Alberta Health Care currently pays for annual optometric eye examinations for school age children, up to their 19th birthday. Call our office to set up an appointment, and be sure that your child is set up for a successful school year.
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Guide to Your Children’s Vision At School
Problems with vision are a leading cause of poor performance in school. Studies show that as many as one in four schoolchildren may have vision problems that can affect their ability to learn, according to the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.
Parents and teachers should keep a watchful eye out for the following thirteen signs that a child may have a vision problem:
1) sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
avoiding computer work
2) losing place while reading
3) using a finger to follow along while reading
4) squinting
5) tilting head to see better
6) avoiding activities that require visual effort
7) complaining of headaches or tired eyes
9) receiving lower grades than usual
10) frequent eye rubbing
11) light sensitivity
12) excessive tearing
13) closing one eye to see better
Schedule an appointment with your optometrist, especially if your child exhibits any of these signs. Even in the absence of obvious signs, however, certain vision problems may be uncovered that may be treatable if diagnosed at an early age. One example is amblyopia (lazy eye). Amblyopia is not always due to an obvious “eye turn” and may go unnoticed for many years. A child may not be aware of the problem, or if he is, be too afraid to mention it to his parents.
Alberta Health Care currently pays for annual optometric eye examinations for school age children, up to their 19th birthday. Call our office to set up an appointment, and be sure that your child is set up for a successful school year.