With the start of the new academic year, Op. Dr. Kardelen Çamber, an Ophthalmologist at Near East University Hospital, urged families not to neglect their children’s eye check-ups, noting that vision problems, which children themselves may not notice, can negatively impact the learning process and school life. Op. Dr. Çamber emphasized the importance of regular eye examinations for the early detection of potential vision issues.

Vision problems that children fail to notice or cannot articulate can directly affect their school life and learning process. Op. Dr. Kardelen Çamber highlights that eye check-ups should be a crucial part of back-to-school preparations to ensure potential vision issues are detected early.

Noting that children often do not realize they have vision problems or cannot express the difficulties they are experiencing, Op. Dr. Kardelen Çamber emphasized the vital importance of regular eye examinations. She stated that myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, hyperopia (farsightedness), and amblyopia (lazy eye) are the most common conditions encountered in school-aged children. Çamber added that myopia and astigmatism can progress rapidly at a young age, while amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected in time.

Children May Mistake Their Vision Problems for “Normal”

Op. Dr. Çamber noted that symptoms such as blurred vision, eye misalignment, watery eyes, and headaches occurring later in the day serve as important clues for families. Kardelen Çamber said, “Children often do not notice or cannot articulate vision problems. They may accept the visual difficulties they experience as normal. This situation can lead to families noticing the issue only after a delay.”

Emphasizing that regular eye check-ups help for the detection of vision defects that have not yet caused noticeable symptoms, Op. Dr. Çamber urged families not to neglect their children’s eye examinations, stating, “Having every child examined by an ophthalmologist at least once at the start of the new school year is a crucial step toward a successful educational experience. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can positively impact both a child’s learning process and their quality of life.”

Healthy Vision Supports the Learning Process

Noting that vision health can affect not only children’s academic performance but also their self-confidence and social adjustment, Op. Dr. Kardelen Çamber explained that the ability to clearly see the board, read books without difficulty, and actively participate in lessons directly supports the learning process. Thus, she emphasized that eye check-ups should be considered an integral part of back-to-school preparations.