A child’s vision can influence just about everything: their learning, their grades, their confidence, their social interactions and so much more. And yet, a young person can have trouble seeing and not even realize there’s anything wrong. That’s why it’s important for parents to make an appointment for a regular eye exam for their child.

As your kids settle into the new school year, here are some important things to know about their eye health. 

  1. Some signs of vision problems are more obvious than others in children.
    It’s helpful to know what actions or symptoms could indicate a potential problem. For example, if a child is rubbing their eyes, if their eyes look red, or if they’re experiencing sensitivity to light, pain or a change in vision, you should make an appointment for an eye exam, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The AAO shares these additional symptoms to look out for (see the full list here):
    • Frequent blinking
    • Seeing spots
    • An eye that turns in, out, up or down
    • Itchiness, discomfort
    • Discharge from the eye
    • Tilting the head or covering an eye
  1. Healthy habits also influence eye health. A number of factors can contribute to healthy eyes and good vision, and many are things you have control over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For starters, it’s important to teach your children the value of a healthy diet, filled with fruits and vegetables. Those contain nutrients that can help with vision. Also, make sure your child is getting enough sleep at night. That’s when their eyes have time to rest. Also, make sure they spend plenty of time away from screens. Playing outside is beneficial, because they don’t have to focus so intensely on objects that are up close. 
  2. Prioritize eye protection. Protective eyewear can help prevent trips to the emergency room. In fact, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, nearly 90% of kids’ eye injuries are preventable. The next time your child is playing sports, using tools or conducting science experiments, make sure they’re wearing protective eyewear made with polycarbonate lenses. Also, don’t forget the sunglasses! The AAO recommends selecting shades with 100% UV protection.
  3. Get a move on. Exercise is good for every aspect of your body, and that includes the eyes. When you encourage your kids to move more and sit less, you’re helping them work towards a healthy weight, and that’s a good thing. People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk for developing conditions such as diabetes, which could also increase the risk for vision problems, according to the National Eye Institute. 
  4. Practice good hygiene. If your kids rub their eyes and they have dirty hands, it could cause discomfort and even lead to an eye infection. Remind them how important it is to wash their hands, especially before they touch their eyes and their face.

According to Prevent Blindness, a child’s vision can be a predictor of their academic success. Regular vision screenings and eye exams can help detect and treat vision problems early, so that their future is clear and bright.