Since the onset of COVID-19, many children have been learning remotely through distance learning programs. While parents are concerned about their children falling behind academically, eye doctors are concerned that undiagnosed vision problems may impact the child's school performance.

Undetected vision problems may hinder a child's ability to learn. That's why eye doctors strongly recommend that children undergo a thorough eye exam before the new school year begins.

Why Are Eye Exams Important?

Up to 80% of children's learning is visual, so even the slightest vision problem can have a negative impact on their academic achievement. Taking a child in for an eye exam once a year will allow your eye doctor to detect and correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism, and check their visual skills.

How Is Vision Affected By Online Learning?

Spending prolonged periods of time on digital devices forces the eyes to work harder, making children and adults more susceptible to digital eye strain. People who spend 2 or more consecutive hours staring at a screen are at higher risk of developing this condition.

Some computer vision syndrome symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Eye fatigue
• Eye pain
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

In addition to digital eye strain, several studies have found that children who spend many hours indoors doing "near work" have a higher rate of myopia progression.

Don't put off your child's annual eye exam. Schedule an appointment with Optique Family Vision Care in Springfield today!