As summer ends and the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy preparing their children for the new school year. While shopping for school supplies and new clothes is important, one crucial task that often gets overlooked is scheduling a comprehensive eye exam.
School vision screenings are common, but they aren’t a substitute for a thorough pediatric eye exam. At our clinics in Mt. Pleasant, Carson City, Alma, State Street, St. Louis, Calumet, and Oscoda, our eye doctors can detect complex eye problems that screenings often miss. Learn more about comprehensive eye exams and how they help ensure your child is ready for the school year ahead.
The limitations of school vision screenings
School vision screenings are a convenient way to identify children who might need further evaluation. However, these screenings are limited in scope and may not detect all vision problems. School screenings usually focus on distance vision and skip other important areas like close-up vision and how well the eyes work together. They might also miss subtle vision problems, including:
- Astigmatism
- Color blindness
- Issues with focusing and tracking
Additionally, the thoroughness of school screenings can vary depending on who’s doing the testing and what tools they’re using.
Why a comprehensive eye exam is essential
A comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist goes much deeper than a school vision screening. Many kids don’t realize their vision is off because they adapt to what they see. This means problems can go unnoticed without a detailed exam. An optometrist will perform various tests to evaluate your child’s overall eye health, including:
- Distance and near vision
- Eye teaming and tracking
- Focusing ability
- Eye coordination and alignment
- Color vision
- Depth perception
- Overall eye health
These exams can catch early signs of eye conditions that might affect your child’s vision and overall health. Early detection is key to preventing long-term problems.
Schedule a children’s eye exam before the school year starts
As you prep for the school year, don’t forget to add an eye exam to your list. Good vision is crucial for learning. Kids with undiagnosed vision problems might struggle with reading, writing, and other important school activities.
At our eye care centers, we specialize in pediatric eye care. Our experienced optometrists use the latest equipment to provide comprehensive eye exams that cover much more than basic screenings.
Don’t let undiagnosed vision issues hold your child back this school year. Schedule an eye exam today to ensure your child is ready to succeed.
