The Seattle area is famous for good schools and good education. However, a good education for your child depends on a number of factors including good schools, good teachers, and good vision. Your child’s eyes are constantly in use in the classroom and while playing. So when their vision is not functioning properly, learning and participation in recreational activities will suffer. Here are the basic vision skills needed for school use.
Near vision – The ability to see clearly and comfortably at 10-13 inches.
Distance vision – The ability to see clearly and comfortably beyond arm’s reach.
Binocular coordination – The ability to use both eyes together.
Eye movement skills – The ability to aim the eyes accurately, move them smoothly across a page. and shift them quickly and accurately from one object to another.
Focusing skills – The ability to keep both eyes accurately focused at the proper distance to see clearly and to change focus quickly.
Peripheral awareness – The ability to be aware of things located to the side while looking straight ahead.
Eye/hand coordination – The ability to use the eyes and hands together.
If any of these or other vision skills are lacking and not functioning properly, your child will have to work harder. This can lead to headaches, visual fatigue, and other eyestrain problems. As a parent, be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision or visual processing problem. Be sure to tell Dr. Wong if your child frequently;
- Loses their place while reading
- Avoids close work
- Holds reading material closer than normal
- Tends to rub their eyes
- Has headaches
- Turns or tilts their head to use one eye only
- Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing
- Uses finger to maintain place when reading
- Omits or confuses small words when reading
- Consistently performs below potential
Since vision changes can occur without you or your child noticing them, your child should see the eye doctor at least every two years, or more frequently, if specific problems or risk factors exist. If appropriate, the doctor can prescribe treatment including eyeglasses, contact lenses, or vision therapy. Remember, a school vision or pediatrician’s screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive and thorough eye examination.