Clear Vision, Bright Future: Why Eye Exams Matter Before School Starts

Before kids head back to school, there's something important to check off the list: eye exams. Good eyesight is key to learning. If a child can't see well, it can slow down their progress in school. Kids might not even realize they have vision problems. They might squint a lot, tilt their heads, or move closer to things to see better. These could be signs that something's not right. Doctors usually start checking vision around age three. A quick vision test at the pediatrician or school is a start, but it's not the whole picture. A full eye exam with an eye doctor is better. During this exam, the doctor uses eye drops to dilate the pupils. This might make vision blurry for a while, but it lets the doctor see inside the eyes and give an accurate glasses prescription. If vision problems run in the family, it's important to tell the pediatrician. Catching issues early can make a big difference. So, before the school year kicks off, make sure to schedule that eye exam. It's a small step that can have a big impact on a child's learning journey.