Eye health is important for people at all ages, but particularly for children.

Over the next couple of months, I will be screening students' vision and hearing in all grades (except grade 2).

Did you know undiagnosed vision disorders are this prevalent?

• up to 1 in 17 preschoolers
• 1 in 5 head start children
• 1 in 4 school aged children

 

Children use their vision to learn about their world.  It is important that your student's eyes are checked during well child visits and/or at school to make sure they are healthy.

 

Not all vision problems can be seen.

 

Children who have a problem may not realize it or be able to describe a problem with their sight.  Regular eye screenings will help find possible problems.

 

Signs your student should see an eye doctor:

Appearance

• Eyes do not line up or look straight ahead.
• The eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, swollen, or don't fully open.
• Eyes are watery or red.
• Recurring stye or bump on the eyelid.
• Color photos of the child's eyes show a white reflection in the pupil (middle of the eye).
• The pupil (the black circle in the colored part of the eye) in one eye is larger than the pupil in the other.
• The iris (colored part of the eye) in one eye is not the same round shape and size as the iris in the other eye.
• Both eyes jerk back and forth quickly from side-to-side.

Behavior

• Rubs eyes often.
• Closes or covers one eye when reading or looking at a close object.
• Squints eyes when trying to see things near or far away.
• Tilts head or turns face when playing with a toy, trying to read, or trying to see something near or far away.
• Has difficulty concentrating when reading, doing schoolwork, or doing other close-up work.
• Brings toys or books close to his/her/their face.
• Blinks eyes more than usual or is cranky when doing close-up work.
• Seems unusually clumsy.  Bumps into things often or knocks things over.
• Avoids doing near work or reading.

Complaints

• Eyes itch, burn, or feel scratchy.
• Blurred vision when looking at near objects, such as toys or books.
• Dizziness, headaches, or nausea when doing near work.
• Light is too bright.
• Unable to see something other people can see.
• Sees worse at the end of the day.
• Difficulty copying material from a whiteboard in the classroom.

 

As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns about your student's vision or other health issues.