The month of August is dedicated to preventing eye injuries and vision loss, as well as saving children’s sight. One in every twenty children aged three to five has a vision problem that, if untreated, could result in permanent vision loss.
Despite these troubling statistics, 80 percent of preschoolers do not have their eyes checked. Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month encourages parents to learn how to protect and save their child’s vision from vision-threatening conditions through regular eye exams, resulting in early detection and proper treatment. Eye exams for children are important because vision changes can occur without you or your child noticing. So this August is for Children’s eye health!
What You Can Do
A month dedicated to learning about your child’s eye health and safety can make a significant difference in his or her health and life. You can do so much more to help raise awareness about vision diseases and eye conditions in children, as well as how to prevent them, based on the key objectives of this awareness month. To get involved quickly, conduct your own research online and use social media to share useful and accurate information with others. You can also support eye health and safety education programs, as well as sight-saving programs for children.
Special Tips for Children’s Eye Health
Aside from keeping a watchful eye for some of the warning signs listed above, protect your child from eye injuries by ensuring your children’s toys are age-appropriate and not a danger to their eyes. Check if your child’s toys or stuff are free of sharp or protruding parts that could accidentally poke the eyes. Fireworks are also detrimental to your child’s safety, as it can cause blindness if not handled correctly.
And Finally…
It is your responsibility as a parent to understand how to keep your child’s eye health optimal and to obtain an early diagnosis if your child has vision problems through a regular eye exam. Also, keep in mind that eye injuries can occur at any time and in any place. Sports or physical activities are frequently responsible for eye injuries, so take proper precautions, such as wearing protective eyewear when participating in sports.
For more helpful eye care and vision care tips, please visit our main blog page.
Sources: Health.gov
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