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As kids head back to school or jump in for the first time, it's essential to ensure their vision is functioning correctly. If they have issues, now is the time to address them.

“Vision issues, whether myopia amblyopia (lazy eye), can affect almost every aspect of a child's development, from academics and athletics to social interactions and self-esteem,” explains  Shandi M. Beckwith, OD, an optometrist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. “School screenings don't always catch the more subtle issues, so parents and educators may incorrectly assume there's no problem if a child passes.”

According to the American Optometric Association, one in four school-age children has a vision disorder, yet school vision screenings miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. A vision screening provides less than 4% of the information generated during a comprehensive eye exam.

“Without a comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, children's vision disorders may go undetected or misdiagnosed,” Beckwith says. “If misdiagnosed as ADHD, dyslexia, a learning disability, or behavioral problems, those labels may affect a child for life without addressing an underlying visual issue that could be corrected.”

If your child needs glasses for vision correction, make sure they get the proper fit from an optician. Kids’ vision is constantly developing, so the wrong prescription or a fit that is “slightly off” can cause further complications. The brain and eyes must work together to force the eye muscles to align. Aim for function over fashion so kids aren’t looking above or below their lenses.