Be proactive about your child’s eye health

When it comes to your child’s health, don’t overlook their eyes. Vision plays a huge role in learning, development and overall quality of life. In fact, up to 80% of learning is visual — so staying on top of your child’s eye health is a smart move to make as a parent.
 

Why early eye care matters

Uncorrected issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can lead to headaches, eye strain, trouble reading and even behavioral issues in school. Eye problems can affect everything from reading and writing to sports and social interactions. Left untreated, they can even lead to long-term vision loss or developmental delays. Early detection is key to keeping their vision sharp and development on track.
 

Encourage healthy eye habits

Birth to young children

You can help engage newborn and toddlers with high-contrast colors and patterns in toys and decor. Give your child time to focus on things around them when in new environments, and approach objects from all angles to get your child comfortable with a wider field of vision. Playing games such as peekaboo and patty cake can help stimulate hand-eye coordination for babies the same way a game of catch can do with your toddler or school-aged child.

Older children and teenagers

As your children get older, focus on limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor play. While studies have shown that blue light from digital devices is not dangerous to the eyes, continuous, close up viewing of these screens can cause digital eye strain, a condition which can cause blurred vision, irritated eyes, and issues with focusing. If your kids are using screens a lot, have them follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

You should also encourage them to play outdoors. Other than normal benefits to outdoor play, like exercise and vitamin D, being outside gives children the opportunity to focus on distant objects. Like the 20-20-20 rule, their eyes have the opportunity to relax and use different muscles. While they play outside, make sure they wear protective eyewear when necessary, like sports goggles or UV-protecting sunglasses.
 

When to schedule screenings and exams

Make vision screenings a regular part of your children’s health routine. A vision screening is an efficient eye exam, where your child is evaluated for eye problems by a trained health care professional and then referred for a comprehensive exam if needed. A comprehensive eye exam can diagnose diseases and may include pupil dilation. They’re performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Follow this schedule for vision screenings:
 

• Newborns: screening from their pediatrician or other trained health care professional for basic indicators of eye health
• Children under age 3: screenings during regular well-child exams
• Older children and teenagers: screenings with their doctor every one to two years
  
  

If you notice problems between screenings, schedule a separate screening or exam.
 

Watch out for warning signs

Children don’t always have the language to describe vision problems, so pay attention to the way your child interacts with objects and how they treat their eyes to identify potential symptoms. Look for:

• Disinterest in distant objects or events
• Squinting, head tilting, covering one eye
• Frequent eye rubbing, teary eyes with no cause, light sensitivity
• Sitting unusually close to screens or holding books close to face
• Complaints of blurry vision or headaches
• Trouble focusing or frequent eye movement when reading
• Poor hand-eye coordination
  
  

Being proactive about your child’s eye health sets them up for success in school, sports and beyond. With regular screenings, healthy habits and your watchful eye, you can help them see a brighter future.

Última actualización: abril de 2025