Vision problems are fairly common for school-age children and vision is critical to their success during the school year. When vision suffers, chances are that schoolwork does too. According to Prevent Blindness America, 25 per cent of school children experience vision problems that can affect their ability to learn and success in school, as well as their personality and ability to enjoy and excel in after-school recreational activities.
Many parents rely on standard in-school vision screenings. However, the in-school screenings merely test for meeting the acceptable 20/20 to 20/30 standard. Other vision issues are not detected. In comparison, a thorough ophthalmic exam with a professional tests for depth perception, peripheral vision, astigmatism, and other potential eye problems.
According to the American Optometric Association, children should have their first eye exam by no later than 6 months old, followed by another at age 3, and one just before starting school. School-age children should be examined every two years if they are not experiencing specific vision problems, and annually if they require corrective lenses. Children's prescriptions can change frequently during their growing years, and an eye care specialist can determine if a child has adequate visual skills necessary for scholastic and sports success. An eye exam protects a child's vision because eye problems are detected at their earliest, and most treatable, stage. Regular check-ups give an eye care professional the opportunity to correct vision changes and provide guidance for routine eye care.
The following behaviors may indicate that a child is experiencing vision problems that should be addressed by an eye care professional:
- Sitting too close to the television
- Holding a book very close to his or her face
- Consistently losing his or her place while reading
- Using a finger to guide eyes while reading
- Squinting or tilting the head to see better
- Eye rubbing
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing
- Closing one eye to better focus when reading or watching television
- Avoiding activities which require near vision
- Complaining of headaches
- Complaining that computer use hurts his or her eyes
- Drop in school performance
Prescription eye wear and vision exams can be quite expensive, and many insurance plans do not include vision coverage, let alone annual eye care visits. Most area vision care specialists offer discounts to help defray the expense.
Lifetime Eye Care, located at 3632 10th Lane NW, Rochester, offers a 20% discount for uninsured or underinsured patients. Drs. Anderson and Sivertson participate in Andy Brownell's local panel of experts each Tuesday morning at 10:00 A.M. on 1340 KROC AM radio. Lifetime Eye Care is also part of Sight for Students, a vision service plan that provides eye exams and glasses to children whose families cannot afford vision care. Families must qualify for a Sight for Students certificate to receive this service. Call The Salvation Army Mission Vision Project at (651) 746-3525 for more information about this program.
Wal-mart Vision Center currently offers eyeglasses for $38 each, including single-vision plastic lenses with dozens of frame styles to choose from. The glasses come with scratch-resistant coating and a 12-month guarantee. A protective case, glasses cleaner and soft cloth are included with the purchase of the glasses, and vision center staff are usually able to service any repairable damages while you wait.
JC Penney Optical is also offering a $39.99 kids prescription eyeglass package through September 11, 2010. The package includes frames up to $100, impact and scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses, UV protection, and warranty protection including breakage and scratches until the eyeglasses are outgrown or the prescription changes.
Good vision is critical for a child's success in the classroom.
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