Set Students up for Success with These Eye Care Tips

Good vision is a vital aspect of academic success. Because children typically do not express vision difficulties the way an adult might, it is critical that care providers pay close attention to clues. For a child who cannot see the chalkboard or other teacher demonstrations due to nearsightedness, or whose farsightedness keeps them from being able to see the words in their textbooks clearly, school loses its appeal.

Studies have demonstrated the struggle that students have with grades and even with sports when their eyesight is not optimal. Therefore, our first tip for student success is to schedule an eye exam in our Pasadena, TX office. Children who are about to enter or have recently entered elementary school are prime candidates for a routine eye exam. If your student is older and hasn’t seen the eye doctor yet, now is a great time to assess vision. Students whose eyesight is good only need to see the eye doctor every two years. If students wear glasses or have an eye condition, it is recommended that they see the eye doctor annually.

Beyond the Eye Exam

There are multiple ways to improve students’ wellness by protecting the eyes. The particular risks that students face include:

• Eye infection. If one person in the classroom gets conjunctivitis (pink eye), it is quite likely that at least a few others will contract the infection also. Pink eye is one of the most common childhood infections to occur, and it accounts for quite a bit of missed school days across the country. Although pink eye can spread through the air if an infected person sneezes or coughs, direct contact is also a risk. Students are better protected if they wash their hands a few times a day.
• Injury. Many children play sports for a school or local team. As beneficial as sports are, the various activities performed present a risk of eye injury. Approximately 35,000 eye injuries happen each year during sporting events. Children need to wear a helmet shield or protective glasses to reduce their risk. If your team doesn’t provide eyewear, you may purchase glasses or goggles from a sporting goods store.
• Eye strain. Eye fatigue may be missed by students who think that they are generally tired or that their eyes are irritated by the weather. Most often, symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and dry, irritated, watery eyes are caused by strain. To reduce eye strain, children should limit how long they stare at any screen or book.

Pasadena Eye Associates offers a wide variety of optical and pediatric ophthalmology services. To schedule a visit with us, call (713) 473-5715.