Optometric physicians are reminding parents that all students should receive comprehensive vision exams before the start of the school year, especially as digital learning devices become more common and children’s screen time increases.

Smart phones, tablets and computers can cause a condition known as “Computer Vision Syndrome,” or CVS. Symptoms of CVS include eye strain, headaches, fatigue, burned or tired eyes, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain. Nationally, parents report that two-thirds of all children do their homework on electronic devices which can lead to CVS.

Furthermore, undiagnosed vision problems are extremely common (approximately one-in-four children has an untreated vision condition) and can cause both academic and behavioral problems as well as physical conditions like frequent headaches. Approximately 40 percent of all children with learning disabilities have vision problems.

Many simple vision screenings performed in schools or in a pediatrician’s office test basic distance visual acuity (ie “is a child ‘near-sighted or ‘far-sighted?”), without also testing the wide variety of vision conditions and problems that affect learning and schoolwork. Eye doctors are using the back-to-school season to remind parents that comprehensive vision exams are the best way to identify and correct these issues.

Edmond Optometrist and Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians President Dr. Selina McGee said that a comprehensive vision exam should be part of every student’s back-to-school checklist.

“Many times, a student who is having problems reading and learning has an untreated vision problem,” said Dr. McGee. “That’s why it’s so important for parents to take their kids to see an optometrist every year for a comprehensive vision screening. Getting these kids treated and back on track is one of the best parts of my job.”

Parents can find an optometrist near them at www.oaop.org.