The importance of back-to-school eye exams

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — With children back in school, now is the time to keep an eye out for vision issues in class.

The American Optometric Association says 1 in 4 children start school with some sort of vision problem, impairing their ability to learn, participate in sports and observe the world around them.

“Some red flags for a vision impairment and child could be a persistent head tilt head turn, lots of squinting, eye rubbing and even seeming inattention or ability to focus or stay focused,” said Dr. Edward Kuwera, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. “These are things that should be evaluated by an eye specialist, whether it’s an optometrist or a pediatric ophthalmologist.”

Many kids won’t tell you something is wrong because they don’t know they have a problem.

“Many vision problems go undiagnosed, even in adults, because of how painless and how much there’s a lack of symptoms from most eye conditions until they’re very severe or until it’s a late, late process. And so it’s important to screen both kids and adults routinely to make sure that these problems are not missed,” Kuwera said.

Children with undiagnosed vision issues can sometimes develop behavior problems because they are predisposed to be disengaged. They might seek to entertain themselves, thereby disrupting the class.

“If kids cannot see properly, they may seem distracted, inattentive or even delayed with their ability to learn. And that’s because so many of us are visual learners,” Kuwera said. “So not having that extra information can really affect their ability to process all of the information.”

He explained that, for kids with severe vision impairment, all aspects of their lives are impacted, from contingency, the ability to use the bathroom and take care of themselves, to motor control, socializing and making friends.

He said school-age children should have vision screenings at least once a year. If you don’t have a vision plan or can’t afford glasses, check with the school nurse. Some schools, particularly in large cities and underserved areas, have programs to provide eye exams and glasses for free.

There are also many private programs offering discounts or free glasses to low-income families , such as civic associations like the Lions Club International or VSP Eyes of Hope, offered by one of the largest vision insurance providers.

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