2023-09-01 16:19:26
Vision Problems: The Leading Cause of Poor School Achievement
As children across the globe gear up to go back to school, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is emphasizing the importance of ensuring their health and safety. This year, the CDC is focusing on promoting physical fitness, good hygiene practices, and healthy eyesight to help children excel academically.
Eye health is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in a child’s ability to learn and achieve success in school. Vision problems have been identified as one of the primary causes of learning difficulties and poor academic performance. It is estimated that approximately one-third of children worldwide, accounting for 72 million individuals, are unable to attend school due to visual impairments.
Dr. Julia Semper Mataridonna, a consultant ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Eye Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, stresses the importance of annual eye examinations for children. Numerous studies have proven a direct correlation between visual problems and academic achievement. Many children may be unaware of their vision issues, making it essential to identify and address these issues early on. Refractive defects, such as myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as other conditions like allergies and dry eyes, should be diagnosed and treated promptly.
How can parents identify if their child has vision problems? Dr. Julia suggests watching out for certain signs:
– Frequent blinking, excessive tears, and rubbing of the eyes
– Covering or closing one eye to improve vision
– Sitting too close to electronic devices or books
– Poor or blurry vision during activities
– Lack of attention, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in academic performance
– Frequent headaches or dizziness after studying or doing homework
– Complaints about difficulty seeing clearly or reading what is written on the board
– Using fingers to follow text while reading, accompanied by blinking and frowning
– Constant stumbling due to poor depth perception
While annual eye examinations are recommended for all children, it is crucial to consult an ophthalmologist if any of the above signs appear. Early detection and treatment can prevent further deterioration and mitigate potential risks.
In addition to prioritizing eye health, the CDC stresses the importance of other health basics to ensure a healthier and more productive school year:
Vaccination: Ensuring children receive vaccinations at the appropriate times helps protect them and their peers from common childhood diseases. Additionally, vaccinations can guard against life-threatening illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox. Getting vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) can also prevent certain types of cancer later in life.
Good nutrition and exercise: Childhood obesity is a growing concern, with one in five American children affected. Obesity puts children at risk of various health problems, including asthma, sleep apnea, joint issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Encouraging a healthy and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meats, and limited saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium, is crucial. Regular physical activity, including running and walking for at least 60 minutes daily, is also highly recommended.
Healthy sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for a child’s growth, development, and overall well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9-12 hours of sleep for children aged 6-12 and 8-10 hours for children aged 13-18. Developing a consistent sleep schedule, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, and minimizing electronic device usage before bed can help children adjust to earlier bedtimes.
Handwashing: Proper handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses like colds and the flu. Teaching children to wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing can significantly reduce the risk of infections.
Limiting sugary drinks: Many people are unaware of the high calorie content present in sugary drinks. Encouraging children to opt for water instead can significantly reduce their caloric intake, promoting overall well-being and a healthy lifestyle.
Beware of electronic cigarettes: Electronic cigarettes are increasingly popular among American youth, with over 3.6 million young people using them in 2018 alone. The nicotine present in e-cigarettes poses substantial risks to their health.
While preparing children for the upcoming school year, it is crucial for parents and teachers to prioritize their overall well-being. Addressing eye health and following these health basics can significantly contribute to improved academic performance and the overall success of students.]
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