As another school year approaches, parents have a long checklist of preparations to ensure their children are ready for the year ahead. One crucial item that often gets overlooked is a comprehensive eye exam. While school vision screenings can catch some issues, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. Learn why comprehensive pediatric eye exams are essential for your child’s eyes and overall health.
The limitations of school vision screenings
School vision screenings are typically brief tests that check for vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness. While these screenings help detect common issues, they may not catch more complex eye conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), or color blindness. So, your child could pass the test but still have vision problems that affect their learning. School screenings can flag potential issues, but they don’t provide a diagnosis or a treatment plan.
Another limitation of school vision screenings is that they do not always consider each child’s needs and visual demands. Children who spend extended periods on digital devices or have specific hobbies or interests may require specialized testing to address their unique visual requirements. Our experienced optometrists at Northeast Eye Care take the time to understand your child’s lifestyle and visual habits to tailor their eye exam accordingly.
Why comprehensive pediatric eye exams are a must
Comprehensive pediatric eye exams go beyond just checking if a child can see clearly. Eye doctors do a variety of tests to check all aspects of your child’s vision, including how well they see up close and far away, eye alignment, depth perception, and color vision. At Northeast Eye Care, our experienced optometrists use specialized equipment and techniques to thoroughly evaluate each child’s eyes and address any potential issues early on.
Some vision issues don’t have obvious symptoms. Conditions like lazy eye or crossed eyes can go unnoticed without a comprehensive exam and have long-term consequences if left untreated. If there’s a problem, an eye doctor can create a customized treatment plan, whether it’s glasses, vision therapy, myopia management, or another solution to help your child see better.
Schedule a back-to-school eye exam today!
At Northeast Eye Care, we’re here to help your child have a successful school year. Our pediatric eye exams in Oakland, Pender, and West Point, NE are designed to catch any issues that school screenings might miss. Our optometrists take the time to explain the results of the exam in simple terms, answer any questions you may have, and offer personalized recommendations for eyeglasses or contact lenses if needed.
As you get ready for the school year, don’t forget to add a comprehensive eye exam to your checklist. It’s an easy step that can have a huge impact on your child’s life. Schedule your child’s eye exam today at Northeast Eye Care and make sure your child is ready to take on the new school year with clear vision!