August is here and that means another school year is about to begin! We all know that kids are required to have immunizations and check-ups before starting the school year, but don’t forget about an eye exam! As August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety month, we wanted to remind you about the importance of having your child’s eyes examined.
Though many schools do conduct an eye screening, it’s important to be proactive when it comes to your child’s vision. It is estimated that 80 percent of what a child learns is from what they see. Ensuring that your child can see clearly may result in greater success in the classroom.
There are several signs/symptoms that your child may be suffering with a vision problem:
- Wandering or crossed eye
- Disinterest in reading or viewing distant objects
- Squinting
- Excessive tilting of the head
Even if your child isn’t displaying signs or symptoms of vision trouble, it is recommended that annual vision screenings be performed on children age three to ten at routine wellness exams.[1] These screenings should check for visual acuity and ocular alignment.
Eye safety is just as important as eye health. Follow these simple guidelines to help protect your child’s eyes:
- Be sure they wear protective eyewear—whether it be for sports or recreation; an eye injury can happen at any time.
- Always purchase toys that meet the safety standards of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- Know the proper first-aid care for an eye injury.
As always, if you have any questions regarding your child’s eye health or safety, please consult your regular eye care professional
