Children’s Vision

Vision is extremely important for children in their developing years. Studies show that 80% of classroom learning is visual. Poor vision often leads to poor performance in school. The first step in ensuring your child has all of the visual skills they require is to see an optometrist for a thorough, and painless, eye examination.

While vision screenings at school can detect major vision issues, do not assume your child has good vision because they pass a vision screening with 20/20. A 20/20 score means only that a child can see at 20 feet what they should be able to. Screening does not test the other vision skills needed for learning and does not guarantee your child’s eyes are healthy.

Children rarely complain of vision problems, and may not even be aware of them. Be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision problem. Note if your child frequently:

• Loses his or her place while reading.
• Avoids close work.
• Holds reading material closer than normal.
• Tends to rub his or her eyes.
• Has headaches.
• Turns or tilts their head to use one eye only.
• Uses a finger to maintain their place while reading.
• Performs below potential.
• Closes one eye while reading.

Because many eye conditions, such as amblyopia and strabismus, can be treated if caught early all children should have a complete eye examination with an optometrist by the age of 3 years.