The new school year is approaching… why wouldn’t you think about your child’s eyes too?
An eye exam before the new school year can make all the difference in their academic success.
Vision is central to their learning, concentration, and well-being in the classroom.
Find out why this appointment is essential before returning to school by reading our full article!
A complete eye exam before the new school year takes into account several key elements:
an exam of both eyes separately and together to analyze binocular vision;
checking the field of vision;
color perception;
checking for blurred vision.
The doctor also relies on family and personal history to better identify the risks of vision problems.
This examination allows for the verification of whether the child is already wearing prescribed glasses, the adjustment of prescription if necessary, and an accurate diagnosis.
Thanks to this comprehensive approach, it is possible to quickly detect any vision problems and provide appropriate treatment for the child.
An eye exam by an ophthalmologist will also assess overall eye health, including the condition of the cornea, lens, and retina.
This allows the ophthalmologist to rule out any risk of more serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, although these seem unlikely in younger children.
First of all, it’s important to note that many vision problems can go unnoticed, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
These vision problems can develop gradually in young children, making early detection necessary.
Our ophthalmologist, Dr. Stéphanie Zwillinger, can perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess visual acuity, i.e., the clarity of distance and near vision.
This eye exam can detect visual defects that could affect academic performance.
Your child’s eye health is especially important, as a good field of vision is necessary for fluent reading and effective interaction with other students.
Furthermore, conditions such as amblyopia or strabismus can lead to more serious visual impairment if left untreated.
Conducting a vision assessment for your child before the start of the school year allows you to detect abnormalities and vision problems before they become problematic.
For example, specific vision tests can identify eye problems that, if left untreated, can affect a child’s ability to concentrate, leading to poor academic performance.
A child with vision problems, such as myopia or hyperopia, may experience difficulties in their studies, leading to visual fatigue, headaches, and, in the long term, self-esteem issues.
Indeed, a myopic child will have difficulty seeing the board in class, while a child with hyperopia may have difficulty reading up close.
Conducting an eye exam for your child before the start of the school year allows for the early detection of potential vision problems.
Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or even amblyopia can go unnoticed if the child doesn’t complain.
However, these visual defects can have a direct impact on their concentration, reading, or academic performance. Regular screening is therefore essential to ensure good visual comfort.
Having an eye exam before the new school year is also an opportunity to check that they tolerate their glasses or contact lenses well and to adjust the prescription if necessary.
For children who are spending more and more time in front of screens, this check-up is even more important to prevent eye strain.
Regular eye care promotes visual well-being and academic success from the first weeks of school.
The eye exam, performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist or orthoptist, assesses visual acuity, eye coordination, ocular motor skills, and convergence ability.
These parameters are essential for following lessons, copying from the board, reading fluently, and remaining attentive throughout the day.
In case of difficulty, vision rehabilitation or appropriate correction can be offered quickly.
If visual defects are identified, the results of the eye exam will help determine the best corrective solution, whether it involves appropriate corrective lenses, night lenses (orthokeratology), or, if necessary, surgery.
By ensuring your child’s good vision, you contribute to their overall development, both educationally and socially.
Conducting an eye exam for your child before the start of the new school year is a crucial step in ensuring their well-being and success. This will not only maximize their vision, but also allow for early identification of potential visual problems that could affect their academic performance and quality of life. Taking care of your vision health is an essential investment for a fulfilling future without learning difficulties.
