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As families prepare for a new school year, backpacks, school supplies and sports physicals usually top the checklist, but eye care is often overlooked. Experts say up to 80% of learning is visual, and 1 in 4 school-age children has a vision problem that can affect reading, learning and classroom performance if left undetected.
Dr. Scott Allison, OD, vice president of professional services at MyEyeDr., says healthy vision should be just as important as school supplies and new clothes on every family's back-to-school list.
"Many children don't realize that they have a vision problem because they've never experienced anything different," Allison said. "Since so much of learning depends on clear vision, an undetected issue can affect reading, focus and classroom performance."
Allison encourages parents to make a comprehensive eye exam part of their back-to-school checklist every year.
Screen time and its impact on children's vision
Technology is part of everyday life for most children, both at school and at home. Extended screen time can contribute to digital eye strain and has also been linked to increasing rates of myopia, or nearsightedness, in children.
"Screens aren't something that we can completely avoid, but taking regular breaks and practicing good viewing habits can go a long way towards creating healthy vision for the long term," Allison said.
MyEyeDr. encourages families to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Devices should be kept about 20 inches from the face, with screens positioned slightly below eye level. Those simple habits can help reduce digital strain and support healthy vision all year long.
The benefits of outdoor time
Outdoor time is one of the simplest habits families can develop to support a child's vision and overall well-being. According to the Vision Council, children who regularly spend time outside are 23% less likely to develop myopia or nearsightedness.
Time outdoors provides a break from screens while supporting normal visual development. Encouraging kids to balance screen time with outdoor activities benefits both their eyes and their overall health.
Warning signs parents should watch for
Some vision problems can be hard to detect. Parents should watch for signs including:
- Squinting
- Sitting too close to screens or books
- Frequent headaches
- Rubbing their eyes
- Losing their place while reading
- Trouble concentrating
"Even subtle changes can signal a vision issue," Allison said.
Every Kid Every Year
MyEyeDr.'s Every Kid Every Year initiative encourages annual comprehensive eye exams for all children, helping to identify concerns early so kids have the visual tools they need to succeed in school.
For more information, visit MyEyeDr.com.
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