Choosing the Right Optometrist in St. Petersburg: What to Look For

Most parents assume that a quick vision screening at school or the pediatrician’s office is enough to catch any eyesight problems their child may have. The truth is, those screenings mainly test for myopia (nearsightedness) —when children can’t see faraway objects clearly. But many kids actually struggle with the opposite problem: hypermetropia (farsightedness) . Why Farsighted Children Pass Screenings Farsighted children usually see the letters on a distant eye chart just fine, which is why they pass routine pediatric and school screenings. The real problem shows up up close , when they’re trying to read, write, or focus on schoolwork. Unfortunately, those screenings don’t test for near vision, so the issue often goes unnoticed. How Farsightedness Affects Learning When reading feels like a struggle, kids may: Avoid homework or reading assignments Lose focus in class and seem restless Act out when asked to read or study Appear to have attention problems, dyslexia, or even behavioral issues One common misunderstanding is when parents think their child is reversing letters or numbers (like saying “74” instead of “47”). In many cases, this isn’t dyslexia at all—it’s the eyes having trouble working together to stay on the same line. Signs Your Child May Be Farsighted If your child is experiencing farsightedness, you might notice: Skipping words or lines while reading Re-reading the same line Complaints of headaches or eye strain after school Difficulty concentrating on homework Over time, this can make reading exhausting, frustrating, and discouraging—impacting not just academics, but also a child’s confidence and behavior in the classroom. The Best Next Step: A Comprehensive Eye Exam Unlike quick screenings, a full pediatric eye exam with an optometrist will check both distance and near vision, as well as how the eyes work together. This ensures problems like farsightedness are caught early and treated properly. At Bay Vision in St. Petersburg, FL , our children’s eye care focuses on more than just “passing the chart.” We provide thorough, personalized evaluations to make sure kids have the clear vision they need to succeed in school and beyond. Parent Tip: If your child avoids reading, complains of eye strain, or has been flagged for possible attention or reading disorders, schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam . The right diagnosis can make all the difference in school performance and overall confidence.

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