Most of us have strong memories of our first days starting a new grade. For many people, their favorite memory is the back to school supplies: new crayons, backpack, and binders. Some people remember the new teacher or others remember the friends they made; many of those friends become lifelong companions. New school supplies, new teachers and mostly, new beginnings.
And while our focus is often on the newness of the back-to-school season, we should also take notice of our children’s health, particularly their eyes. After all, it is with the eyes that they learn.
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Learning is visual; the best thing to do is to bring your child to an eye doctor for ongoing eye examinations, ensuring your child’s vision health. By guaranteeing your child’s visual health, you’re building the road to your child’s academic success.
Unfortunately, children are often assumed to have learning disabilities when what they have is a vision problem.
By scheduling regular eye exams followed by treatment for any issues that may come up, your child will avoid such setbacks. This is further important because if your child is trying their best in school and not succeeding, this can affect your child’s self-esteem. If your child lacks in self-confidence, this makes them feel inadequate and unable to do the work.
You’re on the right track if you’re bringing your child to regular eye exams, but often eyes problems can develop between appointments. With this in mind, here are some signs to look for if you think your child might be having eye trouble:
- Eyes are red, crusty, or swollen.
- Eyes are red or watery.
- Rubbing eyes frequently.
- Closes or covers one eye.
- Tilts or pushes their head forward, especially when watching television.
- Eyes tend to wander.
- Disinterested in reading or looking at faraway objects.
Contact your optometrist today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an eye exam for your child!