As summer winds down and school supplies fill the shelves, there’s one essential item many parents overlook during back-to-school preparations: a comprehensive eye exam. At Blue Lakes Eye Care, we believe that clear vision is a critical part of academic success. Ensuring your child starts the school year with healthy eyes can set them up for a confident and productive year ahead.
More than 80% of learning in a classroom is visual. From reading and writing to recognizing shapes and following along with lessons on the board or screen, children rely on their eyesight to absorb and process information. When vision problems go undetected, it can lead to difficulty in school, behavioral issues, and even misdiagnoses such as ADHD.
Unfortunately, vision screenings at school or the pediatrician’s office can miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. That’s why a full eye exam with an optometrist is essential.
Children may not realize or communicate that they’re having trouble seeing. That’s why it’s important for parents to be aware of potential signs and schedule routine eye exams. Common pediatric vision issues include:
• Myopia (nearsightedness): Increasingly common and can progress rapidly without intervention.
• Hyperopia (farsightedness): May cause trouble focusing on near tasks like reading or writing.
• Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision that can make learning more difficult.
• Amblyopia (lazy eye): Often develops without symptoms but can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated.
• Strabismus (eye misalignment): May cause double vision or affect depth perception.
Early detection and treatment are key. Many of these conditions can be managed effectively when caught early, often with glasses, vision therapy, or other interventions.
Scheduling an eye exam before the school year begins gives your child the best opportunity to succeed both academically and socially. Clear vision plays a fundamental role in classroom performance, participation, and overall confidence.
One of the biggest advantages of a back-to-school eye exam is the early detection of vision issues. Identifying and addressing problems like nearsightedness or eye misalignment early can prevent them from progressing and impacting your child’s ability to learn effectively.
In addition, ensuring your child has clear vision in the classroom helps them stay focused and engaged with lessons, reading materials, and interactive activities. When children can see comfortably, they are more likely to stay on task and retain information.
Good vision also contributes to improved behavior and confidence. Children who struggle to see may become frustrated or withdrawn, which can affect their self-esteem. With proper eye care, they often feel more capable, confident, and ready to take on the challenges of the school year.
With the start of the school year just around the corner, appointments at Blue Lakes Eye Care are filling quickly. By scheduling your child’s eye exam today, you’ll beat the rush and ensure your child starts the year with their best vision forward.
Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam with Blue Lakes Eye Care to ensure clear vision for a successful year ahead. Visit our office in Eagan, Minnesota, schedule online, or call (651) 280-4420 to book an appointment today.