Did you know?

Research suggests that up to 80% of a child's learning occurs through their visual system, highlighting the crucial role of healthy eyes in academic performance. Basic visual tasks such as reading, writing, and using technology are integral parts of a student's daily routine, both in and out of the classroom. Therefore, when a child's vision is impaired, it can negatively impact their ability to learn and participate in activities such as sports, which can ultimately hinder their overall development.

HELP THEM LEARN AND GROW

As students progress through their academic journey, they are faced with mounting visual demands. The font size in textbooks becomes smaller and the amount of time spent reading and studying increases substantially. Consequently, students are required to spend more time working on class assignments and homework, which can put considerable strain on their eyes. Unfortunately, some students struggle to meet these visual demands due to underdeveloped or poorly developed visual skills. This can make learning difficult and stressful for them, leading them to:

• Avoid reading and other near-visual tasks as much as possible.

• Attempt to complete the tasks with reduced comprehension and efficiency.

• Experience discomfort, fatigue, and a shortened attention span.

Certain children who experience learning difficulties may display hyperactive behaviors, which are frequently associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, it is important to note that untreated vision issues can also provoke similar signs and symptoms that are often linked with ADHD, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

Because vision may change frequently during the school years, regular eye and vision care is important.

Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is the most prevalent visual impairment. Nonetheless, some children may have other types of refractive errors, such as hyperopia (long-sightedness) and astigmatism. Additionally, eye focusing, tracking, and coordination difficulties can affect a child's academic and athletic performance. While eyeglasses or contact lenses can correct many vision problems, some may require a vision therapy program to develop or enhance visual skills.

VISION SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

Vision is more than just the ability to see clearly, or having 20/20 eyesight. It is also the ability to understand and respond to what is seen. Basic visual skills include the ability to focus the eyes, use both eyes together as a team, and move them effectively. Other visual perceptual skills include:

• Recognition the ability to tell the difference between letters like "b" and "d"

• Comprehension to "picture" in our mind what is happening in a story we are reading

• Retention to be able to remember and recall details of what we read.

Every child needs to have the following vision skills for effective reading and learning:

• Visual acuity to see clearly in the distance (chalkboard), intermediate distance (computer), and up close (reading)

• Eye focusing to quickly and accurately maintain clear vision as the distance from objects change

• Eye tracking to keep the eyes on target when looking from one object to another, moving the eyes along a printed page, or following a moving object like a ball

• Eye teaming to coordinate and use both eyes together when moving the eyes along a printed page, and to judge distances and see depth for class work and sports

• Eye-hand coordination to use visual information to monitor and direct the hands when drawing a picture or trying to hit a ball

• Visual information processing the ability to organize images on a printed page into letters, words and ideas and to understand, interpret and remember what is seen.

If any of these visual skills are lacking or not functioning properly, a child will have to work harder. This can lead to headaches, fatigue and other eyestrain problems. Parents and teachers need to be alert for symptoms that may indicate a child has a vision problem.