MAPLE RIDGE, British Columbia, Sept. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The optometrists at Maple Ridge Eye Care are stressing the importance of eye exams for area children at the beginning of each new school year. The doctors say detecting visual impairments by means of a thorough eye exam can make a world of difference in a child's academic success. A child's inability to see the chalkboard can greatly impede his or her chances of staying caught up with the rest of the class, and may also lead to physical problems such as headaches.
The doctors at Maple Ridge Eye Care are urging local parents to remember that an eye exam should be a part of any back to school routine. The optometrists say the majority of a child's learning experiences can hinge on his or her eyesight because 80% of classroom learning is done through the eyes. Said Dr. M. Hurlbert, "While children grow, their eyesight can change substantially from one school year to the next. This is why frequent eye and vision care is so important. We don't want any parents to neglect eye exams in their routine pre-school health examinations."
Detecting vision changes and making adjustments in lenses can help prevent eyestrain and improve a child's eyesight significantly. Dr. Hurlbert insists vision correction can also help improve the disposition of a child that experiences the frustrations associated with having poor vision.
Eyestrain can also cause children to suffer headaches and lose focus on their classwork. The optometrists at Maple Ridge Eye Care say children who use electronic devices regularly are particularly vulnerable. After playing video games or watching television for prolonged periods of time, kids may suffer from burning, itching eyes that feel tired or experience blurry vision.
According to Dr. Hurlbert, "It is crucial for children to become accustomed to eye exams early on. Good eye and vision care should begin at birth and continue throughout childhood. We recommend that all children have their first eye exam at 6 months of age. After that first visit with an optometrist, annual eye exams should then become a part of the child's regular health care routine."
Dr. Hurlbert says a large number of school children go through their days with correctable vision impairments. He emphasized, "An eye exam before a child starts classes can help tackle vision-related problems before they begin. Parents should help their children start each school year right by placing eye exams on their lists of important top priorities."
In addition to children's eye exams, Maple Ridge Eye Care also offers adult eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, emergency eye services, vision therapy and other eye care.