Could Your Child’s Vision Affect Their Learning and Academic Success?

Good vision is essential for children’s learning and development. It’s estimated that up to 80% of a child’s learning is visual, which means that vision problems can significantly impact their academic performance and overall development. At Little Lake Family Eye Care, we want to help parents understand the importance of eye health for their children, the difference between visual acuity and visual functioning, and why annual eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment of vision problems.

Understanding Visual Acuity vs. Visual Functioning

Many people think that vision is all about seeing clearly, but it’s much more than that. Vision is not just about having 20/20 eyesight; it encompasses a complex set of skills known as visual functioning.

Visual Acuity: This is what most people think of when they hear the term "vision." Visual acuity measures how clearly a person can see. It is typically tested by reading letters on an eye chart. If a child has 20/20 vision, it means they can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. However, visual acuity is just one aspect of healthy vision.

Visual Functioning: This refers to skills crucial for effective learning and everyday activities. Visual functioning includes:

Eye Tracking: The ability to follow a moving object or maintain a steady gaze.

Eye Teaming: The ability for both eyes to work together to form a single, clear image.

Visual Perception: The ability to understand and interpret visual information.

Focusing Ability: The ability to maintain clear vision at different distances, essential for tasks like reading a book or looking up at the board.

Without these skills, even a child with 20/20 vision may struggle with learning and other activities that require effective visual processing.

The Impact of Vision Problems on Learning

According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), one in four school-age children has a vision problem that can affect their learning. Vision problems can lead to difficulties with reading, writing, and concentrating, which may be mistaken for learning disabilities or behavioural issues. For example, a child who struggles with eye teaming may skip lines while reading, while a child with poor eye tracking might have trouble copying from the board.

Studies have shown that children who receive timely vision care tend to perform better academically, so early detection and treatment of vision problems are essential for a child’s educational success.

Why Yearly Eye Exams Are Essential

Given the importance of vision in learning, it’s crucial for children to have their eyes checked regularly. Annual eye exams help detect vision problems early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. At Little Lake Family Eye Care, our comprehensive eye exams for children go beyond checking visual acuity. We assess all aspects of visual functioning to ensure your child’s vision is supporting their learning and development.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam

During a pediatric eye exam at Little Lake Family Eye Care, our experienced optometrists will evaluate your child’s visual acuity and visual functioning. We make sure to handle the little ones with care by using child-friendly techniques and equipment to make the experience comfortable and stress-free. After the exam, we will discuss the findings with you and recommend any necessary treatments or interventions, such as glasses, vision therapy, or exercises to strengthen visual skills.