Is Your Child Ready for School?
September is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month

In honor of Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month, Eye MDs want to let Virginians know that while they may not be able to completely shield their children from illness or accidents, they do have the power to protect their kids from more common dangers many people overlook.

About one-quarter of school-aged children have vision problems. Of children ages 3 to 5, nearly one in 20 has a problem that could result in permanent vision loss if left untreated. And yet, nearly 80 percent of preschoolers don’t receive a vision screening. That's why the Virginia Society of Ophthalmology recommends every child be screened for possible eye problems as part of their regular well-child care.

Among the conditions an Eye M.D. will look for are amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). Treatment for amblyopia started at an early age is often effective; however, successful treatment after 8 or 9 years old is rarely achieved.

Early diagnosis of strabismus is also critical because a child with strabismus may go on to develop amblyopia.

“Aside from vision threatening conditions, eye exams for children are important because vision changes can occur without you or your child noticing,” said Craig Hensle, MD, President of the Virginia Society of Ophthalmology. “If your child is having trouble seeing the blackboard or trouble seeing the words in a book, traditional classroom work will become difficult.”

In addition to eye diseases and conditions, you also have the power to help protect your children from sports-related eye injuries.

About 100,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year. One-third of these injuries happen to children under age 16. Ninety percent could have been avoided had the child worn protective eyewear. Virginia EyeMDs recommend young athletes wear polycarbonate lenses fitted by an eye care professional. Polycarbonate lenses are 20 times stronger than ordinary eyeglasses, and can withstand a projectile or ball traveling 90 mph.

Also, don’t forget to make sure your children’s toys aren’t a danger to their eyes, and that they are free of projectile parts or sharp or protruding parts.