AOA alerts parents: Back-to-school eye exams more essential than ever
The 2015 American Eye-Q survey found that 89 percent of respondents mistakenly believe that screenings given to children in school or in pediatrician's offices are effective in identifying vision problems that can adversely affect learning. There is often misunderstanding about what passing a vision screening means.
The information obtained from a vision screening can be compared to the information obtained from a blood pressure measurement. Because your blood pressure may be in normal range, it cannot indicate that you do not have other health problems. It provides a single measure of one aspect of your overall health. Just like a complete physical is needed to evaluate total health, only a comprehensive eye and vision examination can evaluate your overall eye health and vision status.
Even if a child or adult passes a vision screening, they shouldn't assume that they don't have an eye health or vision problem. Professional examinations are the only effective way to confirm or rule out the presence of any eye disease or vision problem. The American Optometric Association recommends the following frequency of eye and vision examinations by age.
To read more information on the American Optometric Association's annual Ready for School public relations campaign that emphasizes the growing strain that digital device use is putting on children's eyes, and how to deal with it - visit: http://www.aoa.org/newsroom/back-to-school-checklist-backpack-computer-wireless-access-and-a-comprehensive-eye-exam?sso=y
