As families prepare for a new school year, don't forget one important part of your child's back-to-school wellness checklist, healthy eyes. August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, making it the perfect time to ensure your child is ready to learn, play and thrive.
Did you know that up to 80% of learning is visual? Clear vision is essential for reading, writing, using computers and participating in classroom activities. Unfortunately, many children don't realize they have trouble seeing because they assume everyone sees the way they do.
Signs Your Child May Be Having Vision Problems
Watch for these common signs:
• Squinting or covering one eye
• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close
• Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
• Difficulty reading or losing their place while reading
• Complaints of blurry or double vision
• Trouble focusing or declining school performance
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye care professional.
Keep Eyes Healthy at School
Help protect your child's vision throughout the school year by encouraging healthy habits:
• Take breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Make sure homework and reading areas have good lighting.
• Encourage outdoor play, which has been linked to healthier vision development in children.
• Provide protective eyewear for sports and recreational activities when appropriate.
• Remind children to wash their hands often and avoid rubbing their eyes to help prevent the spread of eye infections.
Back-to-School Wellness Starts with Healthy Vision
A healthy school year begins with healthy habits. Along with getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying physically active and keeping immunizations up to date, good vision plays a vital role in your child's overall wellness and academic success.
By making eye health part of your back-to-school routine, you're helping your child start the school year with the confidence to see, learn and succeed.
The Howell County Health Department, 180 S. Kentucky Ave. in West Plains, has a stated mission to improve, promote and protect the health of Howell County through awareness, assessment, planning and assurance so that the community can achieve its fullest health potential. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a lunchtime closure from noon to 1 p.m. daily. Call 417-256-7078 or visit www.howellcountyhealth.com for more information.
