Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
People of all ages can experience vision impairments, including young children. While kids may not be able to identify eyesight issues as easily as adults, parents can step in and watch for signs of a problem.
Here, we take a closer look at the importance of eye health during the back to school season and share some common indicators of eye strain in children.
Whether you’re gearing up for a new academic year or your child has already returned to school, there’s never a bad time for pediatric vision checks. Most schools offer screenings, but having your child visit an eye care specialist now will allow you to get ahead of any vision needs they may have. And since more than a quarter of children aged two to 17 wear glasses or contact lenses, there’s a fair chance that your child may one day need corrective eyewear. Even if they have clear vision now, establishing a relationship with an eye care specialist will allow them to feel at ease during future appointments, and begin a life-long habit that is part of their whole wellness.
Further, eye doctors can pick up on poor vision even when children can’t. Young children especially are unlikely to speak up about eye problems, largely because they don’t know how to recognize signs of vision issues. And even if your child does get a vision screening in school, up to 75% of children with vision problems go under the radar during these quick assessments.
When it comes to scholastic performance, the importance of getting your child glasses or contacts if needed can’t be overstated. Visual acuity has been tied to reading abilities in kindergarteners and first graders, and all students can benefit from having strong eyesight to see classroom materials clearly.
Since young students may not recognize the signs of vision issues in themselves, you can help by watching for certain indicators in your child. For instance, you may notice signs of eye strain such as squinting. Here are a few other reasons to schedule an eye exam for your child:
Aside from these symptoms, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for any school-related changes that could point to vision issues. For example, if your student is struggling with reading or seems to have a shorter-than-usual attention span, these are potential signs of eye issues that could go overlooked.
Getting your child checked for vision needs is a core component of comprehensive pediatric care, and should be prioritized alongside their routine checkups and dental exams. For most children, visits in the early years are infrequent and can fit into busy back-to-school schedules. Here’s the recommended schedule by age for asymptomatic children and those without any known risks of eye issues:
Whether your child is showing signs of vision impairment or they’re due for a routine eye exam, the eye care specialists at SouthCoast Health are here for your family. Our optometrists can test your child’s vision using state-of-the-art equipment and can offer a range of corrective options if needed. See our providers and their locations here, or schedule an appointment by calling 912.691.3600.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
