Undiagnosed vision problems can erode reading and concentration, optometrists said this week, urging parents to add an eye exam to their back-to-school checklist as the new academic year began on September 1.
“Undiagnosed vision problems can lead to a decline in academic abilities, difficulty reading, lack of concentration, and even a blow to a child’s self-confidence,” said Adi Eiron, an optometrist and professional manager at Shamir Optical Industry, a global lens developer based in Israel. A child who does not complain is not necessarily seeing well, she noted. “Children do not always know how to explain that they cannot see. They may move closer to the board or lose concentration, and adults interpret it as a different problem.”
Einav Gabay, an optometrist and the professional manager of Erroca by Super-Pharm, listed warning signs that should prompt a checkup. These include recurrent headaches, frequent eye rubbing, moving closer to screens or books, reading with one eye closed, difficulty tracking lines, and a lack of motivation to participate in learning activities. “These are signs that require a check-up,” she said.
Gabay recommended a proactive eye exam before first grade and, ideally, once a year even without complaints. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment and helps prevent cumulative damage. Even mild myopia can worsen without care, she said.
According to the World Health Organization, myopia, or nearsightedness, is the most common vision impairment globally. Rates are expected to rise among children in the coming years. Contributing factors include prolonged near work on phones and tablets and less time spent outdoors.
“We are seeing fewer children going out to play,” Gabay said. “This is not only about physical activity, it also affects vision. Exposure to daylight has been shown to help protect against myopia progression. In parts of East Asia there is a clear recommendation to spend at least two hours a day in natural light.”
Eiron said early intervention matters for long-term eye health. “Managing myopia early is critical, not only for improving how a child sees today, but also for reducing the risk of eye disease later in life, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. This is more than prescribing glasses, it is part of a child’s overall health.”
When myopia is diagnosed, families have more tools than in the past. Beyond standard glasses and contact lenses, specialized spectacle lenses designed for children can both correct vision and help slow progression. Eiron pointed to dedicated options now on the market, including Shamir Optical’s Optimee lenses, which target accelerated elongation of the eyeball, a primary driver of worsening childhood myopia. She said these technologies, some developed in Israel, have undergone clinical studies that show effectiveness in slowing eyeball elongation and reducing increases in prescription strength.
The appropriate course of care depends on a professional exam and a child’s needs, the optometrists said. They encouraged parents to watch for symptoms, schedule routine checks, and build outdoor time into children’s daily routines. Early action, they said, can protect eye health and support classroom success.