Why Eye Exams Are So Important for Children

Quality eye care allows child to focus clearly on objects at all distances and to follow moving a target and see things in 3D.

Refractive error, or trouble focusing on an object, can prevent a child’s eye from developing and can cause serious problems in school learning and later in life. The most common refractive errors are nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.

These vison problems are very common among children. More than twenty-five percent of children wear glasses or contact lenses—this number is on the rise. Also, between 50% to 95% of children who fail vision screening do not follow-up on their care. These numbers are even worse for lower-income cities.

 “Monitoring a child’s vision and replacing glasses over time can make a big difference in academic improvement,” says Dr. Michael Repka, MD, MBA. “Correcting refractive error has proven to help students pay more attention in the classroom and stay more engaged in what’s going on. It’s essential for a child’s development and likely for their overall well-being.”

For more information, visit American Academy of Ophthalmology.