August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month, when parents and doctors team up to prevent kids' eye injuries and vision loss. About one in 20 preschool-aged children has a vision problem, but many don’t receive the health care they need to protect their sight. Here are more details about this eye health event and what you can do to protect your child’s vision.

What Is the Purpose of the Event?

The event was started by Prevent Blindness, a 112-year-old organization that specializes in eye and vision health. Its goal is to inform parents about the importance of their children’s healthy vision. During Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month, parents are taught how to detect early signs of vision problems in children and prevent eye injuries.

What Are the Signs of Vision Problems?

Detecting signs of a vision problem in a young child will ensure they get the care they need before the issue becomes too severe. Though a thorough eye exam with an ophthalmologist will give you a clear understanding of your child’s health, your child may display some early warning signs that a problem is present.

For instance, your child’s eyes may be crossed (strabismus) or appear lazy (amblyopia). They may be disinterested in reading or have difficulty identifying far away objects. Squinting and head tilting are also signs that something may be wrong with their sight. 

What Can You Do to Protect Your Children’s Vision?

This August, prepare your child for a successful school year by contacting your health care provider to schedule an eye exam for them. Most of what children learn in school is visual, and an uncorrected vision problem can impede their educational performance. Starting at age three, children need annual eye exams to detect conditions like nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness.

Children are also prone to accidents and injuries. Fortunately, more than 90% of eye injuries are preventable. Protect your little one’s eyes by encouraging them to wear protective eyewear when playing sports. Also, teach them how to safely handle objects that can injure the eyes, such as pencils, rubber bands, and paper clips.

Take charge of your family’s health care today by reaching out to the professionals at Fairbanks Clinic, Inc. in Alaska. Since 1932, the caring family doctors at this hospital have provided comprehensive health services to people of all ages. At this facility, you can receive treatment for injuries, wellness exams, and emergency medical care. Call (907) 452-1761 today to schedule an appointment for you or your child, or visit them online for more details about their health care services.