Importance of regular eye check-ups for students

Dr.Vidya Chaudhry, 3 mins read

Eyes are among the most important senses of our body. They allow us to see and learn from the surroundings. Up to 80% of learning can be a result of visual input in the early years.

However, with the changing lifestyle and visually demanding environment, eye problems among students have become a common issue. This is why maintaining their eye health is of paramount importance.

Regular eye checkups play a critical role in this by helping you detect any problem at an early stage. As per a report, over 50% of sight loss is preventable if detected early.
Why are eye exams more important than ever?

As students navigate their academic journey, they often require reading, looking at screens, and engaging in various visual tasks. These activities can strain the eyes. Increased addiction to screens adds to the existing strain.

So, it’s ideal to opt for regular eye screening at a trusted eye centre. This will help you keep a check on their eye health and detect any problem at an early stage, which makes treatment easier and more effective.

Benefits of regular eye check-ups

• Detect vision problems early:
  Many vision problems in students develop gradually and often go unnoticed until they become a significant problem. These issues include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (abnormally shaped cornea or lens), to name a few. With time, they lead to difficulties in reading the board and other basic activities. Often, the issue exists in only one eye and is not diagnosed as the child continues to see well with the other eye. Regular eye checkups help in the early detection of these issues, allowing for timely intervention and correction.
• Address learning disabilities:
  There are many cases where vision problems are mistaken for learning disabilities. Regular eye checkups from a reputed paediatric ophthalmologist can help clarify the problem and take adequate action accordingly.
• Improve academic performance:
  Good vision means a better focus on classrooms and other curricular activities, which translates into better performance. When your child struggles with vision problems, they get frustrated and irritated and feel less motivated, which affects their performance. Periodic eye checkups can help you understand your child’s vision changes, allowing you to choose corrective eyeglasses or treatments at the right time.
• Reduce eye strain:
  As digital learning platforms are expanding day by day and addiction to social apps is rising among students, the risk of digital eye strain has also increased. This can lead to symptoms like dryness, irritation and visual blurring. Regular eye check-ups can help assess this problem and recommend management strategies, such as the 20-20-20 rule—taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Foster healthy habits:
  Regular eye checkups can instil lifelong habits in children to maintain eye health and take adequate precautions for the long term. They will be more aware of changes in their vision and can make informed decisions whenever needed.

When to get your child’s eye checked?
The first eye checkup should be considered after six months of birth. After which a screening for the vision is recommended before the child starts formal schooling. During school years, an eye examination should be considered every two years. In case there are any refractive errors (glass power) or other vision problems, they may need frequent or yearly visits to an ophthalmologist based on the severity of the issue / as per the doctor’s recommendation.

At Aakash Healthcare, we have a team of India’s ophthalmologists, including a specialised department of paediatric ophthalmology, who have years of excellence in the management and treatment of a range of eye problems. Contact our experts now to book an appointment.