As your child gets ready to return to school, it’s important to prioritize their vision health to ensure their academic success in the new school year. Did you know that vision problems can hinder their ability to read, write, concentrate, and engage in sports? At Prairie Eye Care in Edmonton, we understand the significance of clear vision for learning and overall well-being.
Are School Vision Screenings Reliable?
Many schools conduct vision screenings but mainly focus on testing distance vision clarity. While this is important for seeing the board clearly, more is needed to assess all vision problems, especially those that can affect learning. Vision screenings are not always reliable, leaving some vision issues undetected.
At Prairie Eye Care, we believe that the only way to ensure your child's vision is clear and comfortable is through a comprehensive eye exam performed by an experienced eye doctor. Our eye doctors in Edmonton use advanced techniques to thoroughly assess your child's vision and identify potential issues that may impact their learning experience.
If you have concerns about your child's reading or learning, don't hesitate to contact us to schedule a functional vision evaluation. Our team is here to help your child thrive academically and in every aspect of their life.
The Vital Vision Skills Your Child Needs to Excel in Learning
Your child needs several vision skills for effective reading and learning. These skills include:
- Visual acuity. The capability to see the whiteboard at a distance, the computer at an intermediate distance, and to read a book up close.
- Eye focusing. The skill to maintain a clear vision as the distance from objects shifts, such as moving from the board to a paper on the desk.
- Eye tracking. The ability to maintain focus on a target while shifting your gaze between objects, such as when reading, is known as tracking ability.
- Eye teaming. The ability to coordinate and use both eyes together when moving the eyes along a printed page or judging distances.
- Eye-hand coordination. The ability to use visual information to guide the hands when drawing or participating in sports.
- Visual perception. The ability to arrange pictures on a document into letters, words, and concepts, comprehending and retaining the information your child reads.
Screen Time and Vision Problems
With the rise of online classes, screen time has doubled for many children. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain (DES), causing discomfort and difficulties during online learning. Symptoms of DES include:
- Eye pain
- Fatigue
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Shoulder
- Neck pain
If your child complains about online learning, avoids school work, or has difficulty concentrating in front of the screen, they may be experiencing an undetected vision problem. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for their academic success.
Why Back-to-School Eye Exams Matter
A back-to-school eye exam becomes essential as your child prepares for the new school year. This specialized exam goes beyond basic vision screenings and assesses various visual skills required for effective learning. Our eye doctors in Edmonton will evaluate visual acuity, eye focusing, eye tracking, eye teaming, and more to ensure your child is ready for the academic challenges ahead.
Whether your child has previously shown signs of eye strain or not, a back-to-school eye exam is a proactive step to safeguard their academic progress and well-being.
At Prairie Eye Care, our eye doctors in Edmonton specialize in diagnosing and treating vision problems related to screen time and learning. Schedule an eye exam to optimize your child's vision for a successful learning experience.
Book Now for Clear Vision and a Successful School Year
Give your child the best chance at academic success and overall well-being. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Prairie Eye Care in Edmonton. Our experienced eye doctors will ensure your child's vision is clear, comfortable, and ready for learning challenges. Book your appointment now for a brighter future for your child.