6 TIPS FOR HEALTHY EYES BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS: CHILDREN’S EYE HEALTH AND SAFETY MONTH IN AUGUST
As summer ends and the new school year begins, August is a great time to think about your child’s eye health. Good vision is important for learning and doing well in school. This is especially true for families in Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties.
WHY EYE HEALTH IS IMPORTANT FOR SCHOOL
Kids use their eyes to learn, play, and see the world around them. If your child has trouble seeing, it can make school hard. They might have trouble reading or seeing the board, which can make learning difficult and cause them to fall behind in their work.
TIPS FOR KEEPING EYES HEALTHY
- Schedule Eye Exams: Before school starts, make sure your child has an eye exam. This helps find problems early, like if they need glasses. Regular check-ups keep their vision healthy.
- Watch for Vision Problems: Look out for signs like squinting, headaches, or trouble reading. If your child has trouble seeing the board or holds books close to their face, they might need an eye exam.
- Limit Screen Time: Kids use screens more these days, which can make their eyes tired. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain.
- Use Safety Glasses in Sports: If your child plays sports or any activity that puts their eyes at risk of injury, make sure they wear protective glasses to keep their eyes safe. Many eye injuries can be prevented with the right protection.
- Wear Sunglasses: Protect your child’s eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses that block UV rays. This is important during both summer and winter.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Eating fruits, vegetables, and fish is good for the eyes. Foods with vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3s help keep vision sharp.
LOCAL HELP FOR EYE CARE
As part of a routine well child visit, Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center offer vision screenings to families in Southeast Wisconsin and referrals to a vision specialist when needed. Our team is here to help your child have healthy eyes and succeed in school.
By focusing on eye health, you’re helping your child do well in school and feel good about themselves. Make sure your child is ready to learn and succeed this school year by taking care of their eyes today. For an appointment with a pediatric care specialist call 262-771-1700 (Kenosha) or 262-771-1963 (Silver Lake).
Below are helpful resources for families who want to learn more about taking care of their children’s eyes.
- National Eye Institute (NEI) shares why eye health is important for kids. They have resources for parents and teachers to help keep children’s vision healthy. Visit NEI Kids’ Eye Health
- Prevent Blindness offers tips and materials to help protect kids’ vision. They have information on eye screenings and how to care for children’s eyes. Visit Prevent Blindness Children’s Vision
SPORTS EYE
SAFETY TIPS
5 Ways to Protect Your Child’s Vision During Sports
- Use Protective Eyewear: Ensure your child wears protective eyewear during sports. Glasses and goggles with polycarbonate lenses offer strong protection against injuries.
- Know the Risks: Sports like basketball, baseball, and racquet sports have higher risks of eye injuries. Be aware of these and take precautions.
- Proper Fit is Key: Protective eyewear should fit well and be comfortable. Ensure that goggles or glasses don’t slide during play.
- Regular Check-Ups: Include eye safety in routine eye exams. Ask your eye care professional about the best protective eyewear for your child’s sport.
- Set a Good Example: Encourage kids by wearing protective eyewear yourself during sports and other activities that could lead to eye injury. Lead by example to promote eye safety.
Help your child enjoy sports while keeping their eyes safe! For an appointment with a pediatric care specialist call 262-771-1700 (Kenosha) or 262-771-1963 (Silver Lake).
Do not wait to schedule your appointment.
Kenosha Community Health Center has many appointment options in Kenosha and Silver Lake to meet your needs.
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