August is National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Early care for your children’s eyes helps to reduce serious problems in the future. Children should have their eyes check once a year so set a date that is easily remember, such as the weeks leading up to school.
What can you do between visits? Here is a list of signs to watch for provided by Ophthalmology Times:
What do your child's eyes look like?
- Eyes don't line up; one eye appears crossed or looks outward;
- Eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted, or swollen; or
- Eyes are watery or red (inflamed).
How does your child act?
- Rubs eyes frequently;
- Closes or covers one eye;
- Tilts head or thrusts head forward;
- Has trouble reading or doing other close-up work, or holds objects close to eyes to see;
- Blinks more than usual or seems cranky when doing close-up work; or
- Squints eyes or frowns.
What does your child say?
- “My eyes are itchy,” “My eyes are burning,” “My eyes feel scratchy,” or “I can't see very well;”
- After doing close-up work, your child says, “I feel dizzy,” “I have a headache,” or “I feel sick/nauseous;” or
- “Everything looks blurry,” or “I see double.”
Also, make sure you always have your child wear safety glasses if there is a danger to their eyes.