Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. As parents, guardians, and caregivers, our children’s eye health is paramount. Our eyes are the windows to the world, and maintaining their health begins in childhood. This blog post focuses on tips for when children should get eye exams and eye health and safety resources for parents.
When Should Children Get Eye Exams?
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), eye exams should begin as early as Infancy. They recommend the following schedule:
Infancy: First exam at six months of age
Preschool: At least one exam between ages 3 and 5
School-age: Annual exams starting before first grade and continuing through adolescence
(Source: American Optometric Association)
Why is Good Eye Health and Vision Important for Children?
Children’s eye health is about more than just seeing clearly. Proper vision is vital to their educational, physical, and social development. In fact, 80% of what children learn in school is through visual aids (Source: Prevent Blindness). Vision problems can lead to challenges in learning and development, emphasizing the need for regular eye check-ups.
Resources for Parents
Understanding the need for regular eye check-ups and safety measures is crucial. Here are some valuable resources:
The American Academy of Ophthalmology wrote an article about eye safety measures for children here.
Prevent Blindness provides a comprehensive guide on children’s eye care, offering a range of tools and personalized support here.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Provides guidelines and recommendations for children’s vision health here.
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month reminds all parents and caregivers about the importance of maintaining our children’s visual health. Ensuring regular eye exams and promoting good eye health practices are investments in our children’s future. While the physicians at Highland Family Medicine do not practice optometry, they do understand the importance of children’s eye health and safety. If you are a new or existing Highland Family Medicine patient, you can book here.
