Top 5 Vision Problems That May Go Undetected - A Must-Check Before School Starts

As the new school year approaches, many parents are busy preparing backpacks, shopping for supplies, and updating wardrobes. But there’s one critical back-to-school checklist item that often gets overlooked: your child’s eye health. Making an eye exam part of your back-to-school routine is one of the best ways to set your child up for a successful year ahead.

Understanding the Link Between Vision and Learning

Children rely on their eyesight to read, write, see the board, and participate in classroom activities. If vision issues aren’t caught early, they can lead to struggles with reading comprehension, difficulty focusing, headaches, and even behavioral challenges. A comprehensive eye exam before the school year starts can make a world of difference in your child’s educational journey.

5 Eye Conditions That May Affect Your Child’s Vision

1. Refractive Errors (Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism)
These common conditions affect how light enters the eye and can make it difficult for children to see clearly at various distances. Kids may not always recognize blurry vision, so issues often go unreported.
 

2. Amblyopia (“Lazy Eye”)
Amblyopia develops when one eye is weaker than the other, causing the brain to favor the stronger eye. This condition can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated early, but it may not be noticeable without a professional exam.
 

3. Strabismus (Eye Turn or Crossed Eyes)
Strabismus occurs when the eyes don’t work together as a team, leading to misalignment. It can cause double vision, eye strain, or suppression of vision in one eye if left untreated.
 

4. Convergence Insufficiency
This condition makes it difficult for the eyes to work together up close, which can result in blurred or double vision when reading. Children with convergence insufficiency may avoid reading or struggle with attention.
 

5. Color Vision Deficiency
Color blindness is often inherited and may go unnoticed until a child starts school and needs to differentiate between colors. While it doesn’t affect clarity, it can impact learning and classroom performance.
 

The Importance of Back-to-School Eye Exams

Routine school vision screenings are helpful, but they often miss many of these issues - especially those that don’t cause obvious symptoms. A pediatric eye exam with Drs. Roush and Will Optometrists can detect hidden vision problems, allowing for early treatment and giving your child the best start for the school year. Early detection is key to preventing long-term issues and ensuring your child is set up for a successful, confident school year. We also carry a wide selection of child-friendly eyewear options, making it easy to find comfortable and stylish frames your child will love.

Ensure Clear Vision for the School Year Ahead

Undetected vision problems can have a significant impact on your child’s ability to learn and thrive at school. Taking the time for a comprehensive eye exam before classes begin can help catch issues early, provide the right treatment, and support your child’s confidence both in and out of the classroom.

Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam with Drs. Roush and Will Optometrists to start the school year with clear and healthy vision. Visit our office in Albion, Kendallville, or Ligonier, Indiana. Please call (260) 636-7788, (260) 347-3458, or (260) 894-3909 to book an appointment today.