September brings school routines, fall sports, seasonal allergies, and more time spent on screens. It is also a great time to make sure your family’s eyes are healthy and protected. Here are answers to some of the most common eye care questions we hear at Clara Vista Eyecare.

Can my child pass a school vision screening and still have an eye problem?

Yes. A school screening is helpful, but it does not replace a comprehensive eye exam. Children can pass a basic screening while still experiencing focusing, tracking, eye-teaming, or other vision problems that may affect reading and learning.
Watch for signs such as squinting, headaches, sitting too close to screens, losing their place while reading, or avoiding schoolwork.

How often should children have an eye exam?

Eye exam schedules depend on a child’s age, vision, health, and family history. Your eye doctor can recommend the right schedule based on your child’s individual needs.

Can seasonal allergies affect the eyes?

Yes. Fall allergies can cause itching, redness, watering, burning, or swollen eyelids. Try not to rub irritated eyes because rubbing can make symptoms worse. Artificial tears and cool compresses may help, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by an eye doctor.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses when my eyes are irritated?

If your eyes are red, painful, unusually watery, or producing discharge, remove your contacts and wear glasses until you have spoken with your eye doctor. Never sleep, shower, or swim in contact lenses unless specifically directed by your doctor.

How can athletes protect their eyes?

Regular glasses are not designed to protect the eyes during sports. Sport-specific protective eyewear made with impact-resistant lenses can help reduce the risk of serious eye injuries. Proper protection is especially important for children and teens participating in football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and other activities.

Can too much screen time damage my eyes?

Screen use commonly causes digital eye strain, which may include dryness, blurry vision, headaches, and tired eyes. Encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Does vision always change as we get older?

Vision changes are common with age, but sudden changes should never be ignored. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease—sometimes before noticeable symptoms develop.

When should I call an eye doctor immediately?

Seek prompt care for sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, a curtain or shadow in your vision, severe eye pain, an eye injury, or sudden double vision.

Schedule Your Fall Eye Exam

Whether your child is settling into a new school year, your athlete needs protective eyewear, or it is simply time for your routine exam, the Clara Vista Eyecare team is here to help.
Schedule your appointment today and give your family a clearer, healthier start to the fall season.