Back-to-school eye health: spotting vision problems early

As the new school year begins, families focus on uniforms and supplies, but eye health deserves equal attention. Early detection of vision problems can improve reading, concentration, and classroom performance in children and adolescents Source: eldiado.

Warning signs

Children often cannot articulate vision difficulties, so parents and teachers should watch for:

• Sitting too close to books, notebooks, or screens
• Squinting to see at a distance
• Frequent headaches or eye strain
• Rubbing eyes constantly
• Difficulty copying from the board or losing their place while reading Source: elcaribedr

Expert advice

Dr. Ana Ramírez, a pediatric ophthalmologist at the Instituto Espaillat Cabral, recommends a pediatric eye exam before or at the start of the school year, especially if symptoms, family history, or concerns arise. "For a child, the way they see is their reality. They may think everyone sees the same way and not express that there is a difficulty," she explains Source: eldiado.

Healthy habits

Beyond exams, families can promote visual well-being by ensuring adequate lighting, maintaining proper distance from screens and books, taking breaks during prolonged screen use, and limiting recreational device time Source: elcaribedr.

"Going back to school is a good opportunity to remember that visual health is part of the student's overall well-being," Ramírez concludes Source: eldiado.