August marks Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month—a timely reminder to families, schools, and health professionals to take eye health and vision protection for children seriously. Vision is central to child development, learning, and socialization. All too often, many eye problems in children go undetected until they begin to impact school or social progress.
In this article, we’ll explore why children’s eye health matters, what conditions to watch for, how to keep young eyes safe, and when to seek professional care.
Why Children’s Eye Health Matters
Vision is crucial to a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), up to 80% of learning is visual—making good eyesight essential in the classroom and beyond.
But more than 1 in 4 schoolchildren in the U.S. may have an undiagnosed vision problem. Left untreated, even small visual issues can lead to:
• Poor school performance
• Behavioral problems
• Delayed motor skill development
• Low self-esteem
Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent long-term effects and lifelong eye health.
Eye Conditions in Children
1. Refractive Errors
Most common cause of vision issues in children:
• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism
These usually can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
2. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Results when one eye vision is more impaired than the other, typically due to poor eye alignment or undiagnosed refractive error. Amblyopia can be treated—especially if diagnosed before age 7.
3. Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
Eyes that are not properly aligned, which can interfere with depth perception and lead to amblyopia if left uncorrected.
4. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Easily contagious in school settings. Viral or bacterial infections are typically most prevalent and curable with proper treatment.
5. Digital Eye Strain
More screen time leaves kids with more likelihood of eye strain, dryness, and blurred eyesight—commonly called Computer Vision Syndrome.
Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
Children don’t report vision issues since they may not even be aware that there is something amiss. Observe these signs:
• Squinting or head turning
• Covering one eye
• Holding books or screens too close
• Frequent eye rubbing or headaches
• Having trouble focusing or sustaining attention
• Having trouble with reading or schoolwork
If you notice any of these habits, arrange for an eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Eye Safety: Preventing Injuries
Eye injuries account for most cases of blindness in children—but 90% are preventable with careful precautions.
Common Causes of Pediatric Eye Injuries:
• Sports and recreation
• Sharp-edged or projectile toys
• Household cleaners or chemicals
• Fireworks or BB guns
• Exposure to UV from sunlight
Parents’ Safety Tips:
• Teach playing sports like baseball, hockey, racquetball, or basketball with protective eye gear.
• Choose age-appropriate toys that lack sharp edges or loose small parts.
• Store cleaning supplies, sprays, and other chemical substances.
• Teach children never to look directly at the sun or lasers.
• Use sunglasses that block UV when venturing outdoors—even on cloudy days.
When Should Kids Get Their Eyes Examined?
Recommended schedule for vision screening, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA), is:
• Newborn: Basic eye health examination
• 6 months: First comprehensive eye exam
• 3 years: Evaluation of visual acuity and alignment
• 5–6 years: Comprehensive exam before school
• Once every year or as needed during school age, especially if there are risk factors or symptoms.
Children with a history of eye or developmental issues in the family may need to be screened more frequently.
Healthy Vision Habits in Children
Ask your child to develop strong eye health habits:
•20-20-20 Rule: Glance away from a screen every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
•Balanced diet: Eat foods rich in vitamin A, omega-3s, lutein, and zinc to nourish eyes.
•Good rest: Rest gives eyes time to recover and reduces strain.
• Outdoor play regularly: Daylight exposure has been associated with reduced risk of myopia.
The Bottom Line
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a great time to ensure your child’s eyes are in good shape. Regular eye exams, early diagnosis, and safe practices can prevent long-term issues and guarantee your child’s success—on the school field, on the playing field, and in life.
If your child hasn’t had an eye exam recently, make an appointment today. Healthy vision is a gift for a lifetime—and it starts with awareness and prevention.
Sources:
• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
• American Optometric Association (AOA)
• National Eye Institute (NEI)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
