Can You Read This?

This post was sponsored by Sears Optical. All opinions and stories are my own, and I was not required to say nice things.

My parents took me for my first eye exam when I was three years old. Both sides of my family had a history of vision issues, and when my parents noticed my right eye turning slightly, they knew something was wrong.

I started wearing glasses immediately. I wore a patch, too, but that is a story for a different day (it involves a great rebellion, flushing things down the toilet, and probably at least half of my mom's grey hairs - sorry mom). The patch went away by the time I was five, but the glasses stayed.

Look at me matching my blue glasses with a blue dress, shoes, and hair-bow!

Every year I had an eye exam before school started. My prescription would be adjusted, new lenses and frames bought, and I would start the new year with the best vision possible.

Can you read this?

Can you read this?

Can you read this?

Can you read this?

Can you read this?
Can your kids read it?

That was an unofficial (way unofficial) eye test for you. How did you do?

My parents were able to actually see the beginning of my vision issues, because I had a lazy eye that physically turned. Most vision problems are not so easy to recognize - especially if your child does not tell you he or she is having problems seeing. But kids don't always realize they are having issues; their vision just feels normal to them. I certainly did not know at three years old that there was something wrong.

Since 1989, Sears Optical has raised awareness about the importance of eye health and annual eye exams with their National Eye Exam Month each August. Even if you can't see a problem with your child's vision, or they aren't complaining about not being able to see clearly, they need an eye exam each year.

As you get ready to send your kids back to school, I know an eye exam might feel like just one more thing to add to an already long list - but it is a very important thing. 80% of what children learn comes through their vision, and undetected vision problems can lead to learning difficulties. Being able to easily see everything in the classroom will help your kid start the new year the right way.

Glasses worked really well for me. My eyes were strengthened and trained during my childhood and teen years, and once I reached my 20's, I no longer needed to wear them. That does not mean I no longer need eye exams; my vision may change as I grow older. Small changes might not be easy for me to notice, but an eye exam will quickly show them. My grandfather developed Macular Degeneration in his later years. An early diagnosis enabled him to seek treatment, and retain as much of his vision as possible.

Preventative care for eye health should not end once you grow up. Like so many health issues, early detection is key. Many vision-threatening eye problems like glaucoma can be treated and prevented if discovered early enough.

During the back-to-school season, now through September 13th, Sears Optical has special offers for the whole family: 

• 60% off lenses with any frame purchase and 75% off lenses with any frame purchase on the second pair. *This offer excludes Varilux lenses.
• Kids 18 and under will receive eyeglasses with single vision ULTRAlight^TM select lenses and frames for $49.99 up to $69.99.

2 out of 3 Americans need vision correction of some kind, and 1 in 4 children has a vision problem. Hopefully, you and your children don't fall into these numbers, but if you do, a simple eye exam can help you to detect and treat any problems before they get worse.

Did you wear glasses when you were a kid?

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