A new school year is right around the corner! As parents go through their child’s school supply list and prepare by shopping for backpacks, notebooks, and new clothes, there’s one important item that often gets overlooked—a comprehensive eye exam.
Did you know that up to 80% of learning is visual? From reading the whiteboard and completing assignments to participating in sports and using classroom technology, healthy vision plays a critical role in your child’s academic success. Ensuring your child can see clearly before the first day of school can make a significant difference in both their confidence and performance.
Make an Annual Eye Exam Part of Your Back-to-School Checklist
Many parents assume that if their child passes a school vision screening, their eyes are healthy. While school screenings can identify some vision concerns, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.
A comprehensive eye examination evaluates much more than distance vision. It assesses:
- Eye health
- Focusing ability
- Eye coordination and tracking
- Depth perception
- Prescription changes
- Early signs of eye diseases or other conditions
Children’s vision can change quickly as they grow. Make annual eye exams an important part of maintaining their overall health and academic readiness.
Know the Signs of Vision Problems
Children don’t always realize they’re having trouble seeing because they assume everyone sees the way they do. Instead of complaining about blurry vision, they may develop behaviors that signal an underlying vision issue.
Watch for signs such as:
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting or covering one eye
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding devices very close
- Difficulty reading or losing their place while reading
- Rubbing their eyes often
- Complaints of tired eyes
- Avoiding reading or homework
- Declining grades or difficulty concentrating
- Tilting their head to see better
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Managing Screen Time in a Digital Classroom
Technology has become an essential part of education. From tablets and laptops to smartphones and gaming devices, children are spending more time than ever looking at digital screens both in and out of the classroom.
While blue light from digital devices hasn’t been proven to cause permanent eye damage, prolonged screen use can contribute to digital eye strain, leaving children with symptoms such as:
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
- Headaches
- Difficulty refocusing after using a screen
Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
Help protect your child’s eyes by encouraging healthy screen habits:
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Encourage frequent blinking to keep eyes comfortable and hydrated.
- Limit recreational screen time when possible.
- Maintain proper posture and viewing distance from screens.
- Make outdoor play a daily priority. Spending time outside has been shown to support healthy visual development and may help reduce the progression of nearsightedness in children.
Set Your Child Up for Success
Healthy vision is one of the most important tools your child brings into the classroom. By scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam, recognizing the warning signs of vision problems, and promoting healthy screen habits, you’re helping your child start the school year with confidence.
As you check off your back-to-school to-do list, don’t forget to schedule your child’s eye exam. Clear vision can make all the difference in helping them learn, grow, and succeed throughout the school year.
Ready for a successful school year? Contact our office at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 today to schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam and give them the clear vision they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD, is the owner of Bissell Eye Care, proudly serving the Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. Dr. Bissell has received advanced training through the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, enabling him to help patients living with vision impairment and low vision challenges. With two convenient office locations and evening appointments available, Bissell Eye Care offers comprehensive eye exams for the entire family—starting as young as six months. Our services include ocular disease detection and treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, specialty activewear eyewear, contact lenses, and dedicated low vision evaluations for those with significant vision impairment and vision loss. We accept most vision and health insurance plans. To learn more, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown office at 724-443-6767 or our Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.