It’s almost time to enjoy a well-deserved summer break after a very unique school year. It was unforgettable and required countless hours in front of a computer screen for students and adults alike. It undoubtedly led to periods of eyestrain, dry eyes and other issues. Now that your students can step away from the screen and enjoy more free time, it’s important to schedule a back-to-school eye exam—because they’ll be back on campus before you know it.
Eyesight is one of the most important senses. In fact, 80 percent of what we perceive comes from our sense of sight. By practicing proper student eye care, pupils will reduce their odds of experiencing vision loss or eye diseases. Like professional eye exams, vision screening in schools is designed to check how well a student can see or if their vision may be affecting school performance.
Why does my student need a student vision screening?
Children aged 5 and up should be screened annually according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). If your child has one or more of the following symptoms, contact Eye Specialists of Louisiana to schedule a routine eye exam and prevent worsening symptoms:
- Eyes that don’t look properly aligned
- Squinting to see distances
- Closing or covering one eye
- Trouble reading and/or doing close-up work
- Complaints of blurriness
- Excessive blinking
- Watery eyes
- Droopy eyelids
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Sensitivity to light
Importance of vision screening in schools
Healthy vision plays an important role in the academic success of your student because it’s directly linked to learning. Undetected problems often lead to poor performance. An in-school vision screen will set your student up for success and give parents the opportunity to seek medical treatment if necessary. Unfortunately, many schools were unable to offer vision screenings due to COVID this year. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get a vision screen and/or an eye exam with a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. Here are additional benefits of opting-in to vision screening in schools:
- Early identification
Preventive vision screenings help teachers and parents identify potential eye problems before they become serious. Some of the most common eye problems for children include amblyopia (e.g. lazy eye) and strabismus (e.g., crossed eyes), but the good news is both of these disorders can be treated when found early. - Early intervention
When potential issues are identified during a vision screening, parents can take this child to a back-to-school eye exam for medical treatment by a skilled ophthalmologist or optometrist if needed. - Supports academic success
In-school vision screenings help ensure potential issues are identified, which can help students succeed academically, athletically and socially in the long run. When vision problems are identified and corrected early, students have an easier time focusing on the course materials and gain a deeper understanding of the lessons being taught.
Visit Eye Specialists of Louisiana for your next back-to-school eye exam and set your student up for success with fashion-forward corrective glasses or contacts. Our board-certified physicians are highly skilled in the practice of comprehensive eye care, performing everything from routine eye exams to complex intraocular surgery. We can help ensure your child’s vision is developing optimally with an annual back-to-school eye exam. Call 225-401-3476 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.