As a parent, you want your child to be healthy and successful in school. That is why it is important to schedule regular eye exams for your child. Many parents assume that school vision screenings are enough, but they are not.

Ophthalmological testing goes beyond the basic reading of an eye chart at school. This article will explain why ophthalmological testing is crucial for school-aged children.

1. Undiagnosed Vision Problems Can Affect Learning

Vision problems can affect a child’s learning and development. If a child cannot see clearly, it can be challenging to read from a textbook, write on a piece of paper, or see their teacher’s instructions on the board.

Undiagnosed vision problems can lead to a lack of academic progress and, in some cases, preventable blindness.

2. Screenings Are Not Enough

School screenings are a quick and basic test to check a child’s visual acuity. These screenings are not enough to detect all vision problems a child may have.

Comprehensive ophthalmological screening includes a series of tests that assess visual acuity, depth perception, color blindness, and eye movement control. Children need a comprehensive eye exam from an ophthalmologist that specializes in child eye care at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 years and every one to two years thereafter.

3. Eye Issues Can Be Detected Early

Regular eye exams can aid in the early detection of vision problems. Most eye problems get worse over time and can cause permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early.

Childhood is an essential time for proper eye development and early treatment of various eye disorders. An ophthalmologist can identify even subtle changes in eye health that can have a significant impact on a child’s vision and future success.

4. Vision Problems Can Be Corrected

Many vision problems can be corrected if they are caught early. Common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be treated with the use of glasses or contact lenses.

Early treatment can improve a child’s quality of life and educational success.

5. Monitoring of Existing Vision Problems

If a child has already been diagnosed with a vision issue, follow-up ophthalmological exams become even more vital. Many ophthalmic conditions need to be closely monitored to avoid worsening or permanent vision loss.

Regular exams can help to ensure that your child’s vision is as good as it can be.

6. Vision Changes with Growth

A child’s body is continually changing and so do their eyes. As children grow and develop, their vision changes. This happens more frequently in the first few years of life. The visual changes continue into adolescence.

Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist can ensure that your child’s vision is developing adequately and monitored throughout their growing years.

7. Good Eye Health is Crucial Even Outside of School

Good vision is essential for a child’s growth and development outside of the classroom. Children need good vision to play, explore, and interact with the world around them.

Vision issues can limit their ability to participate in activities they enjoy. Eye health plays a crucial role in a child’s overall quality of life.

8. Eye Injuries Happen

Accidental eye injuries are common in children. Many of the traumatic causes of vision loss can be prevented with proper eye protection or quickly treated if caught early.

As a parent, you should encourage and model appropriate safety behaviors to reduce the risk of eye injuries. Regular ophthalmological exams can detect any existing vision issues that could be exacerbated by a traumatic injury.

9. Eye Health Screening Can Detect Other Health Issues

Some health conditions that are not directly related to the eyes can also affect a child’s vision. Comprehensive eye exams can reveal more significant conditions like diabetes, brain tumors, and high blood pressure.

Early detection of these conditions can improve treatment outcomes. By screening for eye health issues, you may end up discovering other health problems that should be addressed.

10. Eye Health Throughout Life

Eye health is important throughout life, and it begins in childhood. By establishing the habit of regular ophthalmological eye exams in childhood, you help your child to value their eye health and establish healthy routines.

These routines will serve them well into adulthood and help to maintain good eye health throughout their lives.