Comprehensive Eye Exams Essential for Student Learning - MetroFamily Magazine
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Comprehensive Eye Exams Essential for Student Learning

By Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians

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The Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) encourages families to add a comprehensive eye exam to their back-to-school checklist, emphasizing the importance of good vision for children as they return to the classroom. Healthy vision is essential for various classroom tasks, from reading books and viewing whiteboards to using computer screens. Without proper vision, students may face unnecessary challenges impacting their mental, physical, social and emotional well-being.

As children head back to school, a comprehensive eye examination is often overlooked. Many children have undetected vision problems, and some may even be misdiagnosed with learning disorders due to these vision issues.

“Millions of school children in America have vision conditions that can negatively affect learning,” said Jeff Edwards, OD, owner of Vision Source of Hugo and OAOP President. “Many parents rely on vision screenings in school to check for eye problems, but that isn’t enough. Comprehensive eye exams are necessary to detect problems that a simple screening can miss, such as eye coordination, moderate amounts of farsightedness and astigmatism.”

Dr. Edwards regularly reminds local parents to include a comprehensive vision exam in their back-to-school checklist.

“Early detection and treatment provide the very best opportunity to treat and correct vision problems to help children see clearly,” said Dr. Edwards. “The longer a vision problem goes undiagnosed and untreated, the more a child’s brain has to overcompensate to live with the vision problem, instead of developing and learning normally.”

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), vision screenings are not diagnostic and typically identify only a small portion of children’s vision problems. A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond checking visual acuity. An optometrist will assess how well the eyes work together, focusing ability, visual alignment, eye tracking skills, color vision and overall eye health.

The AOA recommends the following schedule for children’s eye examinations:

  • Infants: A comprehensive baseline eye exam between 6 and 12 months, right after the critical period when the eye undergoes rapid and significant changes.
  • Preschoolers: At least one in-person, comprehensive eye exam between ages 3 and 5 to prevent or diagnose conditions that may have long-term effects.
  • School-aged children (6 to 18 years): A comprehensive exam before entering first grade and annually thereafter.

Back-to-school eye exams help ensure children start the school year with optimal vision health. By prioritizing comprehensive eye exams, parents can help their children succeed academically and maintain overall well-being. Parents looking to schedule a comprehensive vision exam for their child can find an optometrist near them.

For more information and helpful tips for vision health, follow OAOP on Facebook or X.

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