A good education for your child means good schools, good teachers and good vision. Your child’s eyes are constantly in use in the classroom and at play. So when his or her vision is not functioning properly, learning and participation in recreational activities will suffer.
The basic vision skills needed for school use are:
• Near vision.
• Distance vision.
• Binocular coordination. The ability to use both eyes together.
• Eye movement skills. Focusing skills. Peripheral awareness.
• Eye/hand coordination.
If any of these or other vision skills is lacking or not functioning properly, your child will have to work harder. This can lead to headaches, fatigue and other eyestrain problems. As a parent, be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision or visual processing problem. Be sure to tell your optometrist if your child frequently:
• Loses their place while reading;
• Avoids close work;
• Holds reading material closer than normal;
• Tends to rub their eyes;
• Has headaches;
• Turns or tilts head to use one eye only;
• Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing;
• Uses a finger to maintain place when reading;
• Omits or confuses small words when reading;
• Consistently performs below potential.
Since vision changes can occur without you or your child noticing them, your child should visit the optometrist at least every two years, or more frequently, if specific problems or risk factors exist. Remember, a school vision or pediatrician’s screening is not a substitute for a thorough eye examination.
For more information, please call 661-259-2168.