Vision is one of the most important senses for learning, as 80% of information received by the brain comes from visual pathways. 

If your child’s vision isn’t up to par, they may have more difficulty learning in the classroom. They might strain to see the information on the board or their teacher, struggle reading text on worksheets or textbooks, or not socialize well with classmates—all of which are crucial for your child’s development. New innovations in education, like digital learning, can also cause more changes in children’s eyes. On top of these challenges, your child may also be unable to clearly communicate if they’re having trouble with their vision, making it harder to pinpoint the cause of their difficulty with learning and potentially leading to a misdiagnosis. 

As such, it’s all the more important to care for them to ensure they’re following along in class and absorbing all their lessons. Here’s how you can help:

Get an eye exam

Getting an eye exam done can shed light on your child’s vision and eye health, allowing you to take the right steps to correct their sight and address problems early on. Eye exams are easier than ever to access; aside from optician clinics, you can have them done at nearby eyewear retailers. You can book an eye exam appointment at your local Target Optical online and find the nearest location to your home or your child’s school for a quick trip. Your child can get their eyes checked as early as three to five years of age, so doing it before they start school can help spot issues early on. Annual tests ensure any changes are tracked and monitored so they can be given the right prescription or treatments. If they’re able to see clearly and comfortably with the right guidance, they’ll have an easier time following along in class and participating in activities to improve their learning. 

Choose the right eyewear

If your child has issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, they’ll need eyewear to correct them and help them see clearly. Glasses are the most common choice since they’re easy to wear, but kids may not want to keep them on at school, or they can fall off while playing. Choose eyewear that suits their needs, preferences, activities, and more to motivate them to wear them all the time for uninterrupted learning at school. 

You can have your child choose their frames to excite them about eyewear. Allow them to have fun looking through all kinds of shapes, colors, and patterns. You can also find glasses that align with their interests. Brands like Pair Eyewear have frame designs inspired by popular media like Star Wars, and the brand’s unique interchangeable frame toppers also allow your kids to switch the designs if they want a new one. Contact lenses are another option, especially for active kids who play sports or are always running around on the playground. However, you should ensure they can manage the responsibility of caring for and cleaning their contacts to keep their eyes safe. By giving them eyewear they enjoy wearing, they’ll be able to keep them on at school and have an easier time learning.

Manage their screen time

Screens have become a ubiquitous part of education, but constantly looking at a device for learning and playing can affect your child’s eyes. Increased screen time has been linked to a higher risk of myopia, as prolonged focus on a near object can strain and elongate the eyes. Managing your child’s device use can prevent vision issues from developing early on, so they won’t have trouble with their vision in school. Set a time limit for your child’s screen time or allow them to use their devices for certain hours of the day to avoid overusing them. You can take advantage of their device usage by exploring educational games and programs to encourage learning and play. Encourage them to go outdoors to give their eyes more things to focus on and get them active, helping slow the progression of myopia. You can also join them during their leisure or play time to engage and bond with them, keeping them off of screens for longer.