Let’s Talk About Kids’ Eye Health – August Is the Perfect Time!

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, and with the back-to-school in full swing, it’s a great reminder to check in on our kids’ vision. Good eyesight plays a huge part in how children learn, grow, and explore the world.

Many vision problems in kids can fly under the radar. Kids don’t always realize they’re not seeing clearly, and parents might not notice anything’s wrong until schoolwork starts to suffer or a teacher mentions something. That’s why regular eye exams are so important; they help catch issues early, before they impact learning or development.

Here are a few common eye conditions in children:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia): Things in the distance look blurry.
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Close-up text or objects can be fuzzy.
• Astigmatism: Things can look blurry at any distance, thanks to an irregularly shaped eye.
• Lazy Eye (Amblyopia): One eye doesn’t develop proper vision because the brain favors the other.

If a child does have vision loss, there are tools out there to help them stay confident and independent—like electronic video magnifiers or screen magnifiers and readers that can make reading and learning more accessible.

And don’t forget eye safety! Protective eyewear during sports and activities, setting healthy screen limits, and encouraging outdoor play can all go a long way in keeping their eyes safe.

As you gear up for a new school year, take a moment to schedule an eye exam, brush up on eye safety tips, and explore tools that can help kids thrive!