With so many things to prepare for the new school or college year, it can extremely be easy to overlook one of the most important assets to you or your child’s education—healthy eyes!
Whether it includes focusing on the board in a classroom or lecture room, or working hard in front of a computer screen, our eyes can suffer if they’re not properly cared for.
As well as that, issues such as undiagnosed eye problems or poor eyesight can also have a detrimental effect on learning. Although frequently overlooked, ensuring healthy eye development and correct eye care is critical in maintaining the visual skills necessary for successful learning. Read on to find out how you can help keep eyes healthy for the school year.
Why are back-to-school eye tests so important?
As kids (little or large) head back to school or college, it’s always essential to ensure their vision is functioning correctly. Often, undiagnosed issues such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatisms can cause blurry vision. As well as that, poor eye focusing, eye tracking, and poor eye coordination can also place a significant demand on the eyes, making learning difficult and stressful.
These common ailments can also affect most aspects of a young child’s development – from schoolwork and socialising to their self-esteem. As eyesight can frequently change over the school or college-going years, it’s extremely important to carry out a full eye examination every year!
How can I ensure healthy eyes for the new school year?
Here are a few of the most important things to remember when heading back to school or college:
1. Get an eye test before school starts
Most vision problems can be easily detected with a routine eye test. It’s always important to correct these issues before they create more serious complications, such as recurrent headaches or difficulty in learning. Also, poor eyesight is diagnosed, your optician will guide you on finding the right pair of glasses to avoid any related vision problems.
2. Avoid eyestrain by taking frequent rests
With the school or college year in full swing, you or your children will likely be spending a lot of time getting stuck into books or staring at a computer screen.
Over time, this can cause eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, or, in extreme cases, near- sightedness. Remember to give eyes a rest every 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Avoid continued exposure to harsh ‘blue light’
Blue light is a visible high-energy light ray given off by the sun and man-made sources such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Although there’s currently little proof that it damages the eye, it can affect sleep patterns, causing mental fatigue and negatively impacting the learning process. For those sensitive to blue light, blue-blocking lenses in glasses can be an effective way to reduce exposure – simply ask your optician for more information.
Ready to book an eye test?
At Swords Eye Centre, we offer the most comprehensive eye test in the country.
Simply get in touch with us now to organise an appointment!