As summer draws to a close and the new school year approaches, parents are busy preparing their children for success. Amid the flurry of buying school supplies, new clothes, and ensuring immunizations are up to date, one crucial aspect often gets overlooked: the eye exam.

At Paragon Eye Associates, we understand the significant role that good vision plays in a child’s academic and social development. Here’s why scheduling an eye exam for your child at our Arlington or Mansfield, Texas locations should be a top priority this back-to-school season.

Why Eye Exams Are Essential for School Success

1. Undetected Vision Problems: According to the American Optometric Association, 1 in 4 children has a vision problem that can affect learning. Common issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism often go unnoticed and can lead to difficulties in reading, writing, and concentrating in class.
2. Impact on Academic Performance: Clear vision is fundamental for reading textbooks, viewing the board, and using digital devices. Children with undiagnosed vision problems may struggle academically, leading to frustration and decreased self-esteem.
3. Behavioral Issues: Vision problems can sometimes manifest as behavioral issues. A child who can’t see properly might become easily distracted or disruptive, as they are unable to follow along with classroom activities.
4. Early Detection of Eye Health Issues: Regular eye exams can detect not only vision problems but also early signs of eye health issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and even more serious conditions like juvenile glaucoma or cataracts. Early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining good eye health.

What to Expect During an Eye Exam at Paragon Eye Associates

Our comprehensive eye exams are designed to be thorough yet comfortable for children. Here’s what you can expect:

• Vision Testing: We will assess your child’s visual acuity to determine if they need glasses or if their current prescription needs updating.
• Eye Health Evaluation: Using the latest technology, we will examine the overall health of your child’s eyes, checking for any signs of disease or abnormalities.
• Binocular Vision Assessment: This evaluates how well your child’s eyes work together, which is essential for depth perception and overall visual comfort.
• Personalized Recommendations: Based on the results, we will provide tailored recommendations to ensure your child has the best vision possible for the upcoming school year.

Tips for a Smooth Eye Exam Experience

1. Prepare Your Child: Explain the process in simple terms so your child knows what to expect. Reassure them that the exam is painless.
2. Bring Previous Prescriptions: If your child already wears glasses or contacts, bring their current prescription to the appointment.
3. Schedule During Quiet Times: Try to book the appointment during a time when your child is well-rested and not hungry, as this can help them cooperate better during the exam.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

At Paragon Eye Associates, we are committed to providing top-quality eye care for your family. Our experienced and friendly staff will ensure your child’s vision is ready for the challenges of the new school year. Don’t wait until a problem arises—proactive eye care is the key to your child’s success in school and beyond.

Conveniently located in both Arlington and Mansfield, Paragon Eye Associates is here to serve your family’s eye care needs. Schedule an appointment today and give your child the gift of clear vision and a bright academic future. Please call us at (817) 277-6433 for our Arlington office or (817) 477-0223 for our Mansfield office, or fill out the form below to get started.