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August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

August 2024

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month is observed every August, aiming to raise awareness and educate parents about the importance of maintaining optimal eye health in children. As vision providers, it is vital for you to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of proactive eye care and safety measures for children. We’ve outlined some key topics you can discuss with your patients to help promote children’s eye health and safety.

  • Early detection and intervention: Early detection of eye conditions is crucial in preventing long-term consequences that can impact a child’s development and quality of life. It is important to emphasize the significance of comprehensive eye exams at regular intervals, even in children who do not experience eye trouble.
  • Eye safety practices: Educate parents, teachers and caregivers about potential eye hazards and how to avoid them. Encourage the use of protective eyewear during sports activities and safe handling of toys, especially sharp objects near the eyes. Raising awareness can help reduce the risk of accidents that may harm a child’s eyesight.
  • Digital eye strain: Digital screens have become a common part of a child’s life and the more time spent on devices can make undiagnosed vision problems worse or even create new symptoms. Educate parents on the importance of limiting screen time and incorporating regular breaks to rest the eyes.
  • UV protection: Children’s eyes are more susceptible to damage from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Encourage parents to use sunglasses, hats and window coverings to shield their children’s eyes from excessive UV exposure.
  • By actively using this opportunity to educate parents and families about the importance of children’s eye health and safety, we can help make a lasting impact on our children’s future. For more information and additional resources on children’s eye health and safety, please visit Prevent Blindness and/or the National Eye Institute for Kids resources page.