Did you know that 20 percent of children aged 9 to 15 need glasses, and 90 percent of those kids don’t know it? Pat Cummings, O.D., President of American Optometric Association can back those facts up. Especially in today’s times when the kids are always on the computer, eye exams are needed now more than ever. 

Does your child:

• Sit too close to the television
• Lose place while reading
• Hold reading material closer than normal
• Blink or rub eyes excessively
• Have headaches
• Turn or tilt head to use one eye only
• Frequently reverse words or letters when reading or writing
• Squint often
• Use finger to maintain place and omits or confuses small words when reading
• Perform below potential in school

It could be their eyes.

And mom…when was the last time you had your eyes examined? The ophthalmologist asked me if I went every year. I admitted the truth…a mumbled “no” came out of my mouth. “Do you get a physical or go to the gynecologist every year?” she quizzed. “Yes, yes I do.” I got the point. The eyes really are the windows to our overall health—doctors can see early signs of stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure in an eye exam. And a recent study just revealed that acute eyes can see sound! It’s true—I read it on my office building’s elevator Captivate Network!

With school soon to be back in session, make it annual eye exam time. Kids who wear glasses…can be the kids who get the passing grades.