Clear vision is key to classroom success. Children rely on their eyesight for nearly 80% of learning — from reading and writing to sports and art. If your child has an eye problem like refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism), it can impact reading comprehension, depth perception, and focus in school.
A comprehensive pediatric eye exam goes far beyond the vision screening your child may get at school. At Pacific Rims Optometry in San Francisco, our eye doctors check for eye conditions that affect learning, including eye movements, eye muscle coordination, and early signs of disease. We also test for visual impairment and central vision problems that can hinder learning.
Spotting Signs Your Child May Need Glasses
Some children don’t realize their vision is blurry because it’s all they’ve known. As a parent, watch for these signs your child may need glasses or contact lenses:
- Squinting or tilting the head to see clearly
- Holding books or devices closer than 20 feet from their face
- Complaints of eye strain or blurred vision after reading
- Avoiding sports or activities that require good depth perception
- Sensitivity to bright light (light sensitivity)
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes or symptoms of dry eyes
If you notice these issues, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
Essential Back-to-School Vision Checklist
Before the school year begins, make sure you’ve covered these steps for your child’s pediatric eye health:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam – Identify and treat refractive errors before they impact learning.
- Discuss myopia management – If your child is nearsighted, ask about treatments that slow progression, like orthokeratology (ortho-k) or MiSight® contact lenses.
- Choose durable eyewear – Consider spectacles for myopia for clear distance vision, especially for wearing glasses during school and sports.
- Reduce screen strain – Use blue-light filtering lenses to prevent eye strain from digital devices.
- Promote outdoor time – Playing outside supports healthy eye muscles and reduces the risk of myopia progression.
The Importance of Myopia Management for School-Aged Children
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the fastest-growing vision problems in children today — and it often worsens during the school years. High myopia not only impacts a child’s ability to see clearly in class, but it also increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
At Pacific Rims Optometry, we offer proven myopia management treatments to help slow its progression. Options include:
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea for clear daytime vision without glasses.
- MiSight® 1 day contact lenses, FDA-approved for myopia control in children.
- Specialized spectacles for myopia designed to help manage progression while providing crisp distance vision.
These treatments work best when started early — making the back-to-school season an ideal time to begin.
Why San Francisco Families Choose Pacific Rims Optometry
We’ve served the Bay Area for over 20 years, helping families protect their children’s vision. With locations in Irving Street and West Portal Avenue, our clinics offer convenient access to expert care.
Our team uses advanced vision tests to evaluate eye movements, eye muscles, and overall eye health. We tailor each treatment to your child’s needs, whether they’re struggling with depth perception, light sensitivity, or dry eyes.
Start the School Year with Clear Vision at Pacific Rims Optometry
Give your child the advantage of great vision this school year. Schedule a comprehensive back-to-school eye exam at one of our two convenient San Francisco locations. Clear vision is one of the best school supplies you can give your child.