Don’t Overlook Your Child’s Eye Health

Augusta, Ga. – Now that children are back in school, could you be overlooking an important aspect of their health that impacts learning?

According to experts, a good proportion of children with learning difficulties have vision disorders. But many eye problems can be detected and treated early, better equipping your child for success.

Your child’s eyes should be examined regularly because vision problems are counterproductive at a critical time of development. Experts say that more than 80 percent of what a child learns in school is presented visually, so making sure your son or daughter has good vision can make a big difference in their academic performance.

Vision problems affect one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school-age children. Since many vision problems begin at an early age, it is very important that children receive proper eye care. But how can you tell there is a problem?

Here are some behaviors your child might display if he/she has a vision problem:

· Holding books or other items very close when reading or playing.
· Frequent squinting, tilting of the head or closing one eye when looking at something.
· Frequent eye-rubbing.
· Excessive tearing or other discharge.
· Avoidance of near-vision or distance-vision activities.
· Light sensitivity.
· Eye movement that appears cross-eyed or uncoordinated.
· Eye redness that doesn’t go away in a few days, along with pain or sensitivity.

Regular eye exams can uncover vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism, which are often corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your child’s vision should be part of the well-child exams with your pediatrician and referred to an ophthalmologist for any concerns. Don’t wait until your child complains, and don’t rely on the school’s vision screening program.

Furthermore, be sure to protect your children’s eyes from other dangers, too. Children have the tendency to be attracted to new and interesting things, which often are dangerous. Accidents resulting in serious eye injuries are ...