Good vision involves many different skills working together to enable your child not only to see clearly but also to understand what he or she sees.

Those skills include:

Near Vision
Ability to see clearly and comfortably at 13-16 inches, the distance at which school deskwork should be performed.

Distance Vision
Ability to see clearly and comfortably at 10 feet or more.

Binocular Coordination
Ability to use the two eyes together.

Eye Movement Skills
Ability to aim the eyes accurately, and move them smoothly across a page and quickly and accurately from one object to another.

Peripheral Awareness
Ability to be aware of things to the side while looking straight ahead.

Eye/Hand Coordination
Ability to use the eyes and hands together.

If any of these or other vision skills is lacking or not functioning properly, your child's eyes have to work harder. This can lead to blurred vision, headaches, fatigue and other eyestrain symptoms.

Why Vision Examinations are Important
Don't assume your child has good vision because he or she passed a school vision screening. A 20/20 score means only that your child can see at 20 feet what he or she should be able to see at that distance. It does not measure any of the other vision skills needed for learning.

Vision screenings are important but they should not be substituted for a thorough vision examination.

Things You Can Do
There are things you can do to help ensure that your child's vision is ready for school each year and to relieve the visual stress of schoolwork.

Be alert for symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision problem. Note if your child frequently:

• Loses his or her place while reading.
  
• Avoids close work.
  
• Holds reading material closer than normal.
  
• Tends to rub his or her eyes.
  
• Has headaches.
  
• Turns or tilts their head to use one eye only.
  
• Makes reversals when reading or writing.
  
• Uses a finger to maintain their place while reading.
  
• Omits or confuses small words when reading.
  
• Performs below potential.
  
• Closes one eye while reading.
  

Make sure your child's homework area is evenly lighted and free from glare. Furniture should be the right size for proper posture. During periods of close concentration, have your child take periodic breaks. Rest breaks are also recommended when your child is using a computer or playing video games.

To make TV viewing easier on your child's eyes:

• Be sure the room has overall soft lighting.
  
• Place the set to avoid glare and reflections.
  
• Watch from a distance at least five times the width of the screen.
  

Be sure your child's hours away from school include time for exercise and creative play. Both can help keep his or her vision skills functioning properly.

Teach Your Child Eye Protection through these Safety Rules:

• Keep away from the targets of darts, bows-and-arrows, air guns and missile-throwing toys.
  
• Don't shine laser pointers into anyone's eyes. Teach them laser pointers are not toys.
  
• Don't run with or throw sharp objects.
  
• Wear safety goggles when using chemistry sets, power tools and household and yard chemicals. (Note: Be certain your child is mature enough to handle these items safely, and provide proper supervision.)