The back-to-school season offers the usual checklist: fresh supplies, new clothes, and fresh outfits. But there’s one important item that’s easy to overlook — your eyesight.
When it comes to healthy vision, we turned to Dr. Rockwood of Rockwood Optometry, whose nearly 20 years of experience have made him a trusted resource for local families.
Because the truth is, clear vision plays an important role in every stage of life. From young kids learning to read and teens competing in sports, to parents working long hours behind a computer and grandparents staying connected with loved ones.
As children return to school, comprehensive eye exams can contribute to their success. Schools often do basic vision screenings, but don't catch every issue.
One important milestone for kids is right before second grade. “This is when students transition from learning to read to reading to learn,” explains Rockwood. “As print gets smaller, vision problems can begin to impact education."
Some vision problems can even be disguised as learning disabilities. By doing a comprehensive eye exam, you can find things that might otherwise be overlooked.
And the best thing about glasses? They come in many unique styles!
Today’s eyewear is as much about personality as it is about practicality. Kids can choose from colorful frames, flexible materials, removable straps, and even glow-in-the-dark options. Once they find a pair they love, wearing glasses often becomes less of a necessity and more of an expression of who they are.
For the teenage years, many student-athletes are choosing contact lenses as an option, giving more freedom on the stage or field. Rockwood recommends implementing effective hygiene habits and coming in for step-by-step guidance.
Parents may also be interested in managing nearsightedness, or myopia, which has become increasingly common among children.
With many kids spending more time on devices and doing extended close-up work, specialized contact lenses and eyeglasses can help slow the progression of myopia and support healthier vision as they grow.
Back to school is usually all about the kids, but it’s also a great reminder for parents to take care of their vision as well. Whether you've been putting off your annual eye exam, noticing more eye strain after long workdays, experiencing trouble driving at night, or just thinking it is time for new frames, healthy eyesight is something that everyone can benefit from.