Does Your Child Need an Eye Exam Before School Starts?

As summer winds down and back-to-school preparations begin, many parents are busy checking off supply lists, buying new clothes, and organizing schedules. But one important task often gets overlooked - scheduling your child’s annual eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam can make a big difference in your child’s academic performance and overall well-being, and there’s no better time than now to get it done.
 

Why Eye Exams Are Essential for Children

Children rely heavily on their vision to learn, read, write, and interact with their environment. It’s estimated that up to 80% of classroom learning is visual. Undetected vision problems can lead to difficulties in reading, focusing, and even behavior.

Even if your child passed a basic vision screening, it’s not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. Screenings typically check for distance vision and can miss more subtle vision problems like eye teaming issues, focusing challenges, or early signs of eye conditions.
 

Common Eye Conditions in Kids

Children can experience a variety of eye conditions that may impact their vision and development if left unaddressed. Common issues include myopia (nearsightedness), which causes distant objects to appear blurry, and hyperopia (farsightedness), where close-up tasks like reading become difficult. Astigmatism is another refractive error that can cause blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Beyond these, some children may develop strabismus (eye misalignment) or amblyopia (lazy eye), both of which can interfere with depth perception and lead to long-term vision problems if not treated early.

Conditions like convergence insufficiency or focusing difficulties may not affect visual acuity directly but can lead to eye strain, headaches, and trouble with reading or attention in school. Regular eye exams help detect these issues early, often before a child reports any symptoms.
 

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

Your child may not always know how to express vision issues, but there are several signs to watch for, including:

• Squinting or sitting too close to the TV

• Complaints of headaches or tired eyes

• Difficulty reading or losing their place in a book

• Rubbing their eyes frequently

• Trouble focusing in class or avoiding near work
 

Prioritize Your Child’s Vision for a Successful School Yeah Ahead

Back-to-school season is ideal for scheduling an eye exam because it helps set your child up for success from day one. Catching vision issues before classes begin allows for timely treatment, whether that means updating a prescription, introducing vision therapy, or addressing more serious concerns.

At Eyes on Cypress, we provide thorough, child-friendly eye exams to help your child start the school year strong. Contact us to schedule a pediatric eye exam and give your child the visual tools they need to thrive. Visit our office in Cypress, Texas, or call (713) 993-7400 today.