Impact of Childhood Ocular Health on Academic Performance: The Importance of Access to Specialized Ophthalmology (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Introduction: Vision plays a pivotal role in the educational journey by influencing information assimilation, active classroom participation, and knowledge interaction. From the earliest steps in formal education to more complex challenges, visual capacity is an invaluable tool across all facets of the educational experience. This study highlights the unique importance of vision by addressing the prevalence of ocular disorders in children and the lack of awareness about these conditions. Undiagnosed disorders such as myopia and astigmatism can impede academic progress. Objectives: To analyze and describe the main aspects of the Impact of Childhood Ocular Health on Academic Performance over the last 10 years. Methods: This narrative review utilized databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and Medline, employing descriptors "pediatric," "academic performance," "ophthalmology," "ametropias," and "epidemiology" over the past decade. Results and Discussion: Vision is crucial in the educational journey, impacting both the assimilation of information and active participation. This study emphasizes the singular importance of vision by addressing the prevalence of ocular disorders in children. Unaddressed issues like myopia and astigmatism can represent significant barriers to academic progress. The research further explores the direct implications of untreated visual problems on academic performance, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and access to specialized ophthalmological services to ensure an academic journey free of preventable obstacles and seeking equity in access regardless of socioeconomic context. Conclusion: The correlation between uncorrected vision problems and lower academic performance highlights the need for early intervention in ophthalmological disorders as a preventive measure. By identifying barriers to accessing specialized care, practical solutions including visual screening programs and local partnerships are proposed to promote equal access to ocular health.