Must-Know Tips

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report lists refractive error (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) as the leading cause of distance vision impairment or blindness in children. Affecting an estimated 88.4 million individuals under 18. While only an approximate 7% of children under the age of 18 have a “Diagnosed” eye or vision condition in the United States.

Now is the best time to start working to increase the number of children seen by an eye care professional as we enter August, Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month.

This is the ideal time to raise awareness of the most common vision issues children face and how to prevent them. Additionally, students generally start the new school year in August, leading to increased time spent studying and using digital screens. It is crucial to know how to prevent vision problems in children.

If you are a parent, read this children’s eye health and safety month’s blog for essential tips on protecting your children’s vision and preventing eye injuries.

How to Identify Eye Problems in Children?

The sooner you identify a problem, the better it is for your children’s health. You can start treatment earlier, and further issues can be prevented. However, identifying eye problems in children can be challenging. Here are some signs your child needs to see an eye care professional.

Behavior: Tilting of the head, frequent eye rubbing, difficulty reading, covering one eye, holding objects too close or far, headache complaints, setting close to the TV or squinting.

• Complaints:Burning, itching, tiredness, headaches while reading
• Eye Appearance: Red or watery eyes, misaligned eyes, red, crusty, or swollen eyelids

Ways to Protect Children’s Vision

Here’s how to protect your child’s vision:

Get your Child’s Eyes Tested Regularly

The earlier the problem is diagnosed, the higher the chances of successful treatment. Here is a guide you can use to get their eyes tested:

–       0-6 months – First eye exam

–       1-3 years – Next Exam, or sooner if your doctor recommends

–       5-6 years – Before starting school

Note: This is a general guideline for an eye exam schedule. Your children’s needs may vary. Consult your eye care professional for accurate information on eye exam frequency!

Follow the Eye Safety Tips

Give children age-appropriate toys

• Encourage frequent handwashing
• Store dangerous chemicals in locked cabinets
• Ensure they use protective eyewear during sports
• Buy them 100% UV protective sunglasses and hats with brims

Strict Adherence to Contact Lens Rules

• Never sleep in contact lenses
• Replace the solution every night
• Change contact lens storage case once a month
• Replace your contacts in the time frame directed by your doctor
• Take breaks from contacts to ensure enough oxygen is getting to the cornea

Teach Them the 20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule should be followed when working/studying on digital screens.

Here is what it means:

• After every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

How to Prevent Eye Injuries?

You can childproof your home to reduce the risk of eye injuries:

• Install handrails on staircases.
• Encourage sunglasses outdoors.
• Use safety gates at stair tops and bottoms.
• Store knives, utensils, and tools in locked cabinets.
• Keep dangerous household chemicals out of their reach.

On the Final Note

Millions of children in the US have vision problems, and it has become a matter of concern for all parents. Signs of eye problems in children include behavioral changes, eye appearance, and verbal statements indicating discomfort. There are many ways to protect children’s vision, including following safety tips, adhering to contact lens rules, and teaching them the 20-20-20 rule. You can also prevent eye injuries by childproofing the environment, using safety gates, and ensuring children wear sunglasses outdoors.

It’s August, Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, the best time to spread awareness of vision issues in children.

Please share this article with other parents or grandparents right away!