Children’s Eye Health and Safety
Wow! How is it already August? In most parts of the United States, August is back-to-school month. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) have also designated August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Teaching children early on the importance of good vision can lead to a lifetime of healthy children’s eye health habits.
The Importance of Nutrition for Kid’s Vision
Healthy kid’s vision begins with good nutrition. Encouraging children to eat a colorful, wide variety of fruits and vegetables will help them receive nutrients that may promote and preserve kid’s vision. Additionally, foods rich in essential fatty acids and zinc aid in retinal function and kid’s eye health development.
Early Vision Development and Eye Care for Kids
Vision development begins soon after birth. Babies must learn to see just as they learn to crawl and walk. Visual development includes learning to focus and move the eyes in a coordinated manner. A baby’s vision helps them to learn and interact with the world around them and stimulates their overall growth. AAO provides some useful information for parents to help their little ones develop their vision, including when to have the first eye exam and common eye and vision problems in babies.
The first vision screening typically occurs as a newborn, shortly after delivery. A second vision screening occurs during the first 6 months to 1 year of life, and this can be performed by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, pediatrician, or other trained healthcare professional at a wellness exam. During preschool, vision and eye alignment should be assessed to determine if the child has a refractive error or alignment issue. According to AAO, regarding refractive errors and eye alignment issues, “It’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible to ensure vision correction and life-long benefits.”
Understanding Vision Screening and Eye Exams
Kid’s eye health screening and an eye exam are two distinct procedures. AOA believes it is important for parents to understand these differences. Screenings are limited and can potentially miss up to 60% of vision problems in children and could miss a vision problem entirely! An eye exam includes dilation to assess the entire health of the eye, checking for refractive errors, and color vision testing.
Yearly Eye Exams and Eye Care for Kids
Yearly eye exams are an important part of a child’s overall development. While the Kelly Eye Center begins seeing children at the age of 10, our physicians have some great colleagues in the area who specialize in pediatric eye care for kids younger than 10. We are happy to recommend a doctor near you for eye care for kids.
Parents should prioritize scheduling regular eye exams to ensure children’s eye health. This not only helps detect any early signs of vision problems but also instills a routine of taking care of one’s vision from a young age. As kids grow, their visual demands change and periodic check-ups can help adjust prescriptions and address any new issues that may arise.
Practical Tips for Maintaining a Kid’s Vision
Here are some practical tips for parents to help maintain their kid’s vision:
- Ensure your child wears protective eyewear during sports activities to prevent injury.
- Limit screen time to reduce eye strain and encourage outdoor play.
- Teach your child the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Ensure proper lighting while reading or doing homework to avoid straining their eyes.
Incorporating these tips can help maintain your child’s vision and overall eye health. Regular eye check-ups and awareness about eye health can significantly impact your child’s life.
Resources: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/children-eye-screening