Macon eye doctor urges comprehensive exams before school starts

Dr. Stephen Summerow says parents should watch for squinting, holding objects close and complaints of red, irritated or scratchy eyes.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Eye doctors are urging parents to schedule comprehensive eye exams before school starts, warning that undetected vision problems can affect reading and classroom performance.

Children getting an eye exam before the first day of school is crucial, according to Dr. Stephen Summerow with Eyesight Associates.

He says vision problems can lead to a child struggling to read, complete homework or keep up academically. He says they look at eye health and how the eye functions as well.

“Many of them will not say or tell their parents they’re having vision problems,” he said. “In most cases, students, especially hyperopic students, cannot tell you there’s a problem, because they see across the room very well. But they will suffer when it comes to reading or even just looking at the small print. So, we always recommend, not only should they have their screening at their pediatrician, but they need a comprehensive eye exam with dilation.”

Dr. Summerow says to look for signs of squinting or children looking at things up close.

“Now if they’re very small, look for missing things when they’re reaching for something on the table,” he said. “Or you tell them, do they see something across the room. So, most students will not complain about visual acuity issues or say they can’t see. Because everyone in their mind can see well.”

With students spending more time on digital devices, he says that also impacts children’s eye health.

“We’re seeing an increase in dry eye disease,” he said. “We’re seeing when they don’t blink completely, it’s called incomplete blinking. So, when they’re looking at that iPad and focusing on it, they don’t blink their eyes the way they should. So often times that will present as red eyes, irritated eyes, kids will complain about scratchy eyes.”

Eyesight Associates is located at 856 First Street in Macon.