Promoting Kids’ Eye Health and Safety This August

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. This month-long observance is dedicated to preventing eye injuries and vision loss among children. It encourages parents to be aware of how to protect and preserve their young children’s eyesight through regular eye exams that will help detect early signs of vision-threatening conditions and determine the proper treatment.

Prioritizing Vision Health for Children

Parents need to prioritize their children’s vision health. As such, August was chosen as the Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month to promote the following objectives:

• Spread valuable information about the importance of healthy vision

• Recognize the need for early detection of children’s vision problems

• Raise awareness about preventing eye injuries in children

• Save and preserve children’s eyesight

As a parent, you can take advantage of the entire month of August in making sure your child’s eyes and vision are in good shape. Do your research online, and utilize social media to share facts about eye health and safety for children. Being in the know makes all the difference to your child’s health and life.

Tips to Protect and Preserve Your Child’s Eyes and Vision

Scheduling regular eye exam appointments for your child with an optometrist is highly recommended as this helps detect any eye conditions and vision problems early to ensure proper treatment. However, that’s not the only thing you should do. Take note of the following tips as well:

• Encourage your child to wear safety eyewear, especially when they play and engage in sports.

• Limit your child’s use of laptops, mobile phones and other gadgets – too much screen time can hurt their eyes.

• Keep sharp objects and other bright light sources out of reach of children as these might endanger their eyesight.

• Nourish your child with an eye-friendly diet for their developing eyes to become sharp and functional as they grow up.

For your eye care needs, turn to Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry. We offer a wide range of services, including comprehensive eye exams, LASIK eye surgery co-management and sports vision. Call us today at (703) 660-9494, or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment. We serve residents of Alexandria, VA, and the surrounding communities.