The beginning of the school year is right around the corner, and with a focus on getting kids ready to get back into the swing of all things academic, it’s important to keep their eyes in mind. August is not only the start of a new school year, but also Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, founded by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The AAO has a few tips to help you make sure your children’s eye health stays in focus:
Get Regular Childhood Vision Screenings
Children are constantly growing and developing, and this includes their vision and eye health. Back-to-school time is the perfect time to schedule an annual vision screening.
Know and Share Your Family Eye Health History
Many eye diseases and conditions are genetic and can run in the family. It’s important to ask family members about their eye health so you can accurately inform your doctor of any potential genetic eye conditions. Many genetic eye conditions can cause permanent vision loss if not treated early enough.
Watch for Signs of Eye Problems
There are some signs that are easier to spot than others when it comes to keeping an eye out for eye problems. These include but are not limited to:
- Eyestrain
- Headaches
- Squinting
- White or grayish color in the pupils
- One eye that turns in or out
- Eyes that don’t track in sync together
Wear Protective Eyewear When Playing Sports
Just like helmets and mouth guards, protective eyewear really should not be optional when your child is playing sports, especially high-contact sports. Injuries to the eye from sports can cause permanent damage. Sports where children are most susceptible to eye injuries include:
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Field hockey
- Baseball
- Any raquet sports
Another thing to watch for in children is drooping eyelids, or ptosis. This can be present at birth or acquired later on in life. It’s often caused by underdevelopment or injury to the levator palpebrae muscle in the upper eyelid.
For more information about ptosis or other common eye conditions, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Davis here at the Advanced Eyelid Surgery Center, call us today at 817-778-4444.
