Back to School: Why Your Child’s Eye Exam and New Eyeglasses Are Essential
As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy preparing their children with the right tools to succeed—backpacks, notebooks, and the latest tech gadgets. But there’s one essential item that should top your back-to-school checklist: a comprehensive eye exam. At Providence Eye Associates, we understand that ensuring your child has clear and healthy vision is a crucial step in setting them up for academic success.
The Crucial Link Between Vision and Academic Performance
Did you know that over 80% of what a child learns in school is taught visually? This fact highlights the importance of clear vision for your child’s ability to learn and excel in the classroom. Unfortunately, undiagnosed vision problems can significantly hinder academic performance, leading to struggles with reading, writing, and even concentrating on tasks.
Many vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, may not be obvious to parents or even the child. That’s why it’s essential to schedule an eye exam before the school year begins. Early detection and correction of vision issues can make all the difference in your child’s academic journey.
What to Expect During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
At Providence Eye Associates, our comprehensive eye exams go beyond just checking for 20/20 vision. We evaluate every aspect of your child’s eye health, from visual acuity and eye coordination to overall eye health. Our pediatric eye care services are designed to detect and address vision problems early, ensuring your child’s vision develops correctly.
During the exam, our experienced optometrists will assess how well your child’s eyes work together, test for refractive errors, and screen for common childhood eye conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye). This thorough evaluation helps us catch any issues that might impact your child’s ability to learn effectively.
The Importance of Updating Eyeglasses Before School
Children’s vision can change rapidly, especially during growth spurts. That’s why regular eye exams and updating prescriptions are crucial. Outdated eyeglasses can lead to eye strain, headaches, and a decline in academic performance. At Providence Eye Associates, we offer a wide selection of stylish and durable frames, ensuring your child not only sees clearly but feels confident wearing their glasses.
In addition to regular eyeglasses, we also provide specialized lenses that can help reduce eye strain, such as blue light filters for those long hours spent on digital devices. Our in-house eyewear lab ensures that your child’s new glasses are ready in time for the new school year.
Eye Care Tips for a Successful School Year
Maintaining good vision doesn’t stop at the eye exam. Here are a few tips to help keep your child’s eyes healthy throughout the school year:
- Encourage Regular Breaks from Screens: With increased screen time in today’s classrooms, it’s essential to follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Promote Outdoor Play: Natural light and outdoor activities are beneficial for eye health and help reduce the risk of developing myopia.
- Ensure Proper Lighting: Good lighting while reading or doing homework can prevent eye strain and fatigue.
Why Choose Providence Eye Associates?
At Providence Eye Associates, we are committed to providing top-quality pediatric eye care. Our team of experienced optometrists uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. We believe that early detection is key to preventing long-term vision problems and ensuring your child’s academic success.
From routine eye exams to selecting the perfect pair of eyeglasses, we’re here to support your child’s vision needs every step of the way. Schedule an eye exam today and give your child the gift of clear vision—because a successful school year starts with healthy eyes.
What to bring to your child’s eye exam
Before you head out the door to come see us, be sure you have all of the following:
- A favorite book or toy that your child can play with in the waiting room and hold on their lap during their exam, if they’d like. A small stuffed animal friend can be a big help!
- Your child’s medical history, with any important dates like surgeries written down.
- A list of questions you’d like to ask, written down so you don’t forget.
- Any medications they are on. Bringing these along can help if we need to double-check the dosage or name.
Don’t wait until your child struggles in the classroom to address potential vision issues.
A back-to-school eye exam is a vital part of your child’s preparation for the new school year. At Providence Eye Associates, we’re dedicated to ensuring that your child has the clear vision they need to thrive academically. Schedule an appointment today and let us help your child achieve their full potential.
Dr. Greg S. Levin
Owner at Providence Eye Associates
Providence Eye Associates offers comprehensive eye care services, including pediatric eye exams, eyeglasses, and more, all aimed at supporting your child’s eye health and academic success. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact us directly.
