Vision and learning are intimately related. In fact, experts say that roughly 80 percent of what a child learns in school is information that is presented visually. So good vision is essential for students of all ages to reach their full academic potential.
Statistics show that 1 in 4 school-aged children have vision-related problems. Left undetected and untreated, these issues could prove detrimental to kids’ development in school.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), learning disorders affect at least 1 in 10 schoolchildren.
Potential learning issues related to vision problems:
- Reading disabilities (dyslexia and inefficient vocabulary development, comprehension, and reading mechanics)
- Speech impediments
- Difficulty understanding class materials
- ADHD
- Impulsiveness
- Low frustration tolerance
- Difficulties with social interactions and situations
- Task avoidance
Signs of visual problems to look out for:
- Does your child sit close to the TV?
- Do they hold their text book close to their eyes?
- Do they lose their place easily?
- Do they squint?
- Are they complaining of headaches or tired eyes?
- Do they avoid homework or the smart devices regularly?
- Do they rub their eyes frequently?
- Are they receiving low grades?
- Have you noticed any behavioral changes?
Vision-related learning deficiencies can be prevented by taking your child in for a comprehensive eye exam with an EYEcenter optometrist. According to the American Optometric Association, children should have an eye exam by no later than 6 months old, then again by age 3 years, and again just before starting school. School-age children need an exam every two years after that if they have no visual problems. But if your child requires eyeglasses or contact lenses, schedule visits every 12 months. (Frequent eye exams are important because during the school years your child's eyeglasses prescription can change frequently.)
Your EYEcenter doctor also will ensure that your child has the visual skills required for success in school and sports, such as accurate and comfortable eye teaming, peripheral vision, ease of focusing from distance to near and hand-eye coordination.
Schedule your child’s exam today! Also ask about our vision therapy program to help alleviate vision issues that contacts or glasses can’t fix.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.