Back-to-School Eye Health: 5 Tests Your Child Needs Before Buying Glasses

Why a Back-to-School Eye Exam is Essential

📚 Good vision is key to academic success! Studies show that 80% of learning is visual, so if your child can’t see clearly, it may affect their reading, writing, and focus.

Many vision problems in children—like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism—go unnoticed until school starts. That’s why a comprehensive eye exam before the school year ensures they get the right glasses prescription if needed.

👓 Before buying glasses, here are five essential eye tests your child should have:

1️⃣ Visual Acuity Test: Checking for Nearsightedness or Farsightedness

What it does:
This test measures how well your child sees at different distances. The doctor will use an eye chart with letters or symbols to check if your child has blurry vision.

👁️ Why it’s important:

• Blurry distance vision? They might have myopia (nearsightedness).

• Difficulty reading up close? They could have hyperopia (farsightedness).

✅ If your child needs glasses, the prescription strength will be based on this test.

🟡 Pro Tip: NextPair offers lightweight, kid-friendly frames designed for comfortable wear all day at school.

2️⃣ Refraction Test: Finding the Correct Prescription Strength

What it does:
A refraction test determines the exact lens power your child needs. The optometrist will use a phoropter (a lens machine) and ask, “Which is clearer—lens 1 or lens 2?”

👓 Why it’s important:

• Ensures your child’s prescription is accurate before buying glasses.

• Detects even slight vision errors that may cause headaches or difficulty reading.

✅ This test guarantees the sharpest, most comfortable vision with glasses!

🟡 Pro Tip: High-index lenses can make kids’ glasses thinner and lighter, especially for stronger prescriptions.

3️⃣ Astigmatism Test: Checking for Blurry or Distorted Vision

What it does:
Astigmatism occurs when the eye’s shape is uneven, causing blurry or distorted vision at all distances. The optometrist will use a cylindrical lens test to check if your child needs astigmatism correction in their glasses.

👁️ Why it’s important:

• Kids with uncorrected astigmatism may struggle to read or focus on the board at school.

• May cause eye strain or headaches, especially during long reading sessions.

✅ If your child has astigmatism, they’ll need a specific CYL and Axis value in their glasses prescription.

🟡 Pro Tip: NextPair’s lenses include precise astigmatism correction, ensuring clear vision for schoolwork and play.

4️⃣ Binocular Vision Test: Checking for Eye Coordination & Focus Issues

What it does:
This test assesses how well your child’s eyes work together for clear, single vision. The optometrist will check for:

• Eye muscle balance (convergence & divergence).

• Depth perception (3D vision).

• Signs of lazy eye (amblyopia) or strabismus (crossed eyes).

👀 Why it’s important:

• If a child’s eyes don’t align properly, they may experience double vision or difficulty focusing.

• Weak eye muscles can lead to reading fatigue and trouble tracking words across a page.

✅ If needed, vision therapy or prism lenses may be recommended.

🟡 Pro Tip: Choose lightweight, well-fitting frames so kids don’t constantly adjust their glasses, which can affect eye coordination.

5️⃣ Blue Light & Digital Eye Strain Test: Protecting Against Screen Fatigue

What it does:
With kids spending more time on tablets, laptops, and smartphones, their eyes may experience digital strain. This test checks for:

• Sensitivity to screen glare.

• Dry eye symptoms from excessive screen use.

• Signs of early myopia progression.

👁️ Why it’s important:

• Kids who strain their eyes on screens all day may develop headaches, fatigue, or worsening nearsightedness.

• Blue light-blocking lenses can help reduce screen glare and improve comfort.

✅ If your child spends a lot of time on digital devices, blue light protection is a great add-on for their glasses!

🟡 Pro Tip: NextPair’s blue light filtering lenses help protect kids' eyes from excessive screen exposure.

How to Use Your Child’s Prescription to Order Glasses Online

After completing these five tests, your child will receive a prescription with:
✔️ Sphere (SPH) for nearsighted or farsighted correction.
✔️ Cylinder (CYL) & Axis if they have astigmatism.
✔️ Pupillary Distance (PD) for proper lens placement.
✔️ Any additional needs (e.g., blue light filtering, prism correction).

🟡 NextPair makes it easy to order kids' glasses online with:

• Lightweight, durable frames perfect for active kids.

• High-index lenses for strong prescriptions.

• Asian fit options for better comfort and stability.

Final Thoughts: Set Your Child Up for School Success!

Before buying new glasses, make sure your child has had these five essential eye tests to ensure a clear, comfortable vision all year long.

🎒 A quick recap:
✅ Visual Acuity Test: Detects blurry vision (nearsighted or farsighted).
✅ Refraction Test: Finds the exact prescription strength.
✅ Astigmatism Test: Ensures clear, undistorted vision.
✅ Binocular Vision Test: Checks for eye coordination issues.
✅ Blue Light & Digital Strain Test: Protects against screen fatigue.

👓 With the right glasses from NextPair, your child will be ready to learn and succeed! 🟡