One in four children, roughly 12.1 million children worldwide, have a vision impairment. Of children ages three to five, one in 20 have a problem that could result in permanent vision loss if left untreated. Most of these issues, however, can be corrected if caught early enough and treated properly.

You should have your child’s eyes examined shortly after birth, before each school year, and as any problems arise. As parents, it is important to be aware of the warning signs your child might be experiencing impaired vision. These include:

•Blurred or double vision
•Headaches or pain in the eyes
•Difficulty copying from board at school
•Holding books close to read or sitting close to the T.V.
•Squinting
•Sensitivity to light
•Burning, itching, watery or redness in eyes that is not explainable

If you suspect your child is suffering from any of the above conditions, do not hesitate to schedule an eye exam with your regular eye doctor. An eye care professional can rule out various eye diseases, recommend treatment, and prescribe corrective lenses if appropriate.

The most common types of eye problems seen in children are:

•Myopia (nearsightedness)
•Stabismus (crossed eyes)
•Amblyopia (lazy eye)

In order to increase awareness of childhood vision problems, August has been named National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. And with the school year right around the corner, now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s next eye exam.

If you have any questions about what you have just read, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here today!

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Sources:

1) August is National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month: Foods your whole family can eat for healthy vision DiscoverBulk.com

2) August in National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month LAReaders.com

3) Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month NewEngland.HealthCHarities.org

4)August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month KISBYTO.Blogspot.com