VisionPlus India

WHAT THE DOCTORS PRESCRIBE • Every 20 minutes • Look at something 20 feet away • For at least 20 seconds MAKE EYE EXAMS A BACK-TO-SCHOOL ESSENTIAL A new academic year brings fresh opportunities for learning and growth. By making eye examinations a regular part of their back-to- school preparations, parents can help ensure that children have the clear vision they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. SIGNS PARENTS SHOULD WATCH FOR Children may not always communicate vision-related difficulties, making it important for parents and teachers to recognise potential warning signs. Common signs of myopia include: Squinting while looking at distant objects • Sitting very close to the television • Holding books or digital devices too close to the eyes • Difficulty seeing the classroom board • Complaints of blurry vision Recognising these signs early can help ensure timely intervention and prevent vision issues from affecting a child's learning experience. "Many parents assume that if their child is not complaining about their eyesight, their vision must be fine. However, children often adapt to vision changes and may not recognise that what they are seeing is not normal. Symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, difficulty concentrating, or declining academic performance can sometimes be linked to an underlying vision problem. A comprehensive eye examination before the school year begins can help detect issues early and ensure children have the visual support they need to learn confidently and comfortably," "As children return to classrooms and resume their daily learning routines, eye health should be given the same priority as books, uniforms, and other school essentials. Healthy visual habits established during childhood can have long-term benefits. Encouraging outdoor activities, balancing screen time, and scheduling routine eye examinations can go a long way in supporting healthy vision. Early detection and timely management of vision problems can help children perform better academically and contribute to their confidence, comfort, and overall quality of life." DR AMOD NAYAK, HEAD – CLINICAL SERVICES, DR AGARWALS EYE HOSPITALS, WHITEFIELD, BENGALURU DR RAHUL JAIN, CONSULTANT OPHTHALMOLOGIST AT DR JAIN'S EYE CLINIC 63 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION