Back-to-School Eye Care Tips

Posted by Able News

Courtesy of Lighthouse Guild

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month is a national health observance during back-to-school season that highlights the importance of protecting children’s vision and eye health.

As parents get their children geared up for the new school season, it’s a good time to add an eye exam to their checklists. Lighthouse Guild offers a few important tips to help safeguard children’s eye health during back-to-school season and throughout the year.

Regular Vision Screenings

“Vision health is one of the keys to success in school, and the most important thing one can do to protect a child’s vision is to make sure they get an eye exam,” said Laura Sperazza, director of Vision Rehabilitation Services at Lighthouse Guild.

“An eye health professional can determine if a child needs eyeglasses or contact lenses, or if there is a vision problem that requires further intervention.”

Eating Those Carrots

People should encourage their children to eat a well-balanced diet loaded with different types of fruits and vegetables, as well as fish.

Speak Up

Children should be asked if they notice any vision changes such as vision that is blurry; if they are squinting a lot; or if their eyes are bothering them.

Wear Those Glasses

Parents should help their children understand the importance of wearing their eyeglasses. If they are resistant because they believe glasses are unattractive, parents can try pointing out sports figures and other well-known people who wear glasses.

Clean Those Glasses

Children should be taught how to clean and store their glasses. Rest Those Eyes Looking continuously at a computer, phone or TV screen can tire eyes. Parents should encourage their children to take a break from staring at the screen.

Wear Safety Gear

Everyone should wear goggles or other types of protective eye wear while playing sports, using chemicals or tools for school projects, or engaging in other activities.

Many eye injuries can be prevented with better safety habits.

Lighthouse Guild provides services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. They provide coordinated care for eye health, vision rehabilitation and behavioral health as well as related services. The Guild’s podcast series, “On Tech & Vision with Dr. Cal Roberts,” offers information and insights about technological innovations that are tearing down barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired.