School Age Children's Visual Development

GOOD SCHOOLS, GOOD TEACHERS, GOOD VISION

You want a good education for your child. That means good schools, good teachers and good vision.

VISION SKILLS FOR SCHOOL:

The basic vision skills needed for school are:

NEAR VISION

The ability to see clearly and comfortably at 10-13 inches, the distance at which school work should be done.

DISTANCE VISION

The ability to see clearly and comfortably beyond arms reach.

BINOCULAR COORDINATION

The ability to use both eyes together.

EYE MOVEMENT SKILLS

The ability to aim the eyes accurately, move them smoothly across a page and shift them quickly and accurately from one object to another.

FOCUSING SKILLS

The ability to keep both eyes focused at the proper distance to see clearly.

PERIPHERAL AWARENESS

The ability to be aware of things located to the side while looking ahead.

EYE/HAND COORDINATION

The ability to use the eyes and hands together.

BE ALERT FOR SYMPTOMS

Be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision or a vision processing problem. Note if your child frequently.

• loses his or her place while reading - avoids close work.
• holds reading material closer than normal - tends to rub eyes - has headaches.
• turns or tilts head to use one eye only.
• makes frequent reversals when reading or writing.
• uses finger to maintain place while reading.
• omits or confuses small words when reading.
• performs below potential.

HOMEWORK, COMPUTERS AND TV

Make sure your child's homework area is evenly lighted and free from glare. Furniture should be the right size for proper posture. During periods of close concentration, have your child take periodic breaks to rest his or her eyes.

When your child is using a computer or playing video games, he or she should also take periodic rest breaks. If your child spends many hours working with a computer, ask your optometrist to suggest ways to avoid vision-related problems.

To make viewing easier on your child's eyes

• be sure the room has soft overall lighting.
• place the screen to avoid glare and reflections.
• view TV from a distance of about 6-8 feet.

GENERAL EYE PROTECTION

Teach your child these eye safety rules:

• keep away from targets of darts, bows-and-arrows, BB guns and missile-throwing toys.
• don't run with or throw sharp objects.
• wear safety goggles when using chemistry sets, power tools, fireworks and household and yard chemicals.

(Note: be certain your child is mature enough to handle these items safely and always provide proper adult supervision.)

The information provided in this article and elsewhere on this website are for informational purposes only, and should NOT be considered a medical diagnosis or advice. When in doubt, please visit your local optometrist for a complete professional evaluation.