Visual health and academic performance in school-aged children

Abstract

Background: Academic performance at different educational levels has become a very important subject of study in local, national and international institutions. A visual system working properly is critical to improving academic performance. It is important to check children’s vision during the different stages of elementary school. Methods: A visual screening was carried out in elementary school children, aged between 6 and 12, across Spain. The screening included: The collection of demographic data, surveys of children and families about their vision habits and a basic optometric screening to detect visual problems. Results: Children with bad academic performance had worse visual health than those with good academic performance. Conclusions: It would be highly recommendable to introduce policies that ensure the early detection of visual disorders in schools and primary care in order to improve the academic performance of elementary students.