Back-to-School Eye Health: 4 Vision Tips to Set Your Child Up for Success

Back-to-school season is one of the most important times of the year to check in on your child’s vision. Whether they’re reading from a whiteboard, scrolling through a tablet, or tracking a soccer ball, clear and comfortable vision plays a huge role in their success—in and out of the classroom.

Here are four essential tips to help ensure your child starts the school year with their best possible vision:

1. Schedule an Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam

Good grades often start with good vision—and good vision is about more than just seeing 20/20. A comprehensive eye exam checks for focusing issues, eye teaming, and other visual skills that school screenings often miss. Many children don’t realize they’re having trouble seeing, and undetected issues can quickly lead to challenges with reading, writing, and attention. An annual exam helps us catch problems early—before they affect learning.

2. Protect Against Digital Eye Strain

Kids are spending more time than ever on digital devices for schoolwork and entertainment. That can lead to digital eye strain, which may cause headaches, blurry vision, or fatigue. The good news? Special lenses can help. Anti-fatigue lenses reduce strain during screen time, and anti-reflective coatings cut down on glare. These small upgrades can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and focus throughout the day.

3. Choose Durable Eyewear for Active Kids

If your child plays sports or is always on the move, consider investing in eyewear designed for their lifestyle. Frames made of lightweight, flexible, and impact-resistant materials are less likely to break and more likely to keep up with their energy. Durable lenses and properly fitting frames ensure your child can see clearly and safely while staying active.

4. Explore Myopia Control Options

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is becoming more common among kids—and it tends to worsen as they grow. Fortunately, we now have ways to help slow its progression. Two FDA-approved contact lens options are available:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These are specially designed hard contact lenses worn overnight. They gently reshape the cornea so kids can see clearly during the day—without needing glasses or contacts.

• MiSight Lenses: These are daily disposable soft lenses clinically proven to slow myopia progression.

Both methods work by altering how light focuses on the retina, sending signals that help prevent the eye from growing too long. In other words, they not only correct vision but also help protect your child’s long-term eye health.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school is more than a new backpack or fresh notebooks—it's also a great time to prioritize your child's vision. With the right tools and care, you can set them up for a successful, comfortable, and focused school year.

Need to book an eye exam or learn more about any of these solutions? Our team is here to help.